Global leprosy update, 2016: accelerating reduction of disease burden

Overview

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of all new cases of leprosy with multidrug therapy (MDT) remain the key strategies for leprosy control. The strong commitment of national governments, together with technical guidance from WHO, sustained support of donors, availability of MDT, long-term collaboration with nongovernmental organizations and the participation of networks of persons affected by leprosy, has resulted in a reduction in prevalence rates from >5 million cases in the mid-1980s to <200 000 cases at the end of 2016. The reduction in prevalence to <1 case per 10 000 population at global level by 2000 and subsequently at national level in most endemic countries by 2005 marked a significant milestone in the elimination of leprosy as a public health problem. Nonetheless, new cases continue to occur. 

In April 2016, as part of providing technical guidance on leprosy control and to reduce the burden of disease, WHO launched a 5-year global leprosy strategy in consultation with national programmes and all other stakeholders of leprosy control. The strategy is built around 3 pillars: i) to strengthen government ownership, coordination and partnership; ii) to stop leprosy and its complications; and iii) to stop discrimination and promote inclusion.

Principal considerations in measuring the reduction of disease burden were a decline among new cases in the number of visible deformities – known as grade 2 disabilities (G2Ds) – and the abolition of laws or legislation allowing discrimination against, or stigma associated with, leprosy in communities. The Global Leprosy Strategy was disseminated to all national programmes. Additionally, an operational manual outlining steps to be taken when implementing the 3 pillars of the strategy, and a monitoring and evaluation guide to strengthen monitoring implementation were published