Why this news?

  • The Government shared an update in Rajya Sabha about steps taken to control Leprosy in India.
  • The government is strengthening the National Leprosy Eradication Programme to detect cases early, provide treatment and reduce stigma.

WHAT IS NLEP?

  • National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) is a centrally sponsored scheme.
  • It works under the National Health Mission.
  • The aim is to detect leprosy early, treat patients and eliminate the disease in India.
  • Funds are given to States and Union Territories based on their Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs).

ABOUT LEPROSY

  • Leprosy is a long-term infectious disease caused by bacteria.
  • It mainly affects:
    • Skin
    • Nerves
    • Eyes
Important features
  • The disease develops very slowly.
  • Incubation period: about 5–20 years (time between infection and symptoms).
Situation in India
  • India reports more than 1 lakh new cases every year.
  • The country still has a large share of global leprosy cases.

REASONS WHY CASES ARE STILL DETECTED

  1. Long incubation period
  2. Continued transmission in some high-burden areas
  3. Better surveillance and detection programmes
  4. Increased awareness and reporting of cases

MAJOR GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES UNDER NLEP

1. Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (LCDC)
  • Door-to-door surveys in villages and cities.
  • Conducted in high-burden districts.
  • Goal: Identify patients early and start treatment quickly.
2. Focused Leprosy Campaign (FLC)
  • Conducted when a serious case with Grade-2 disability (G2D) is found.
  • Health workers search:
    • 300 nearby households in urban areas, or
    • Entire village in rural areas.
  • Aim: Find hidden cases around the patient.
3. Special Case Search in Difficult Areas
  • Special programmes for remote and hard-to-reach regions.
  • Community participation is used to provide services.
4. ASHA-Based Surveillance (ABSULS)
  • ASHA programme workers help detect suspected cases.
  • Used in districts where LCDC is not conducted.
  • Now integrated into routine health activities.
5. Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign (SLAC)
  • Nationwide awareness campaign.
Key points
  • Started in 2017 on Anti Leprosy Day (30 January).
  • Conducted up to village level.
  • Goal:
    • Spread awareness
    • Reduce social stigma and discrimination against patients.
STRENGTHENING HEALTH SERVICES Leprosy treatment is now integrated into the general health system through:
  • Ayushman Arogya Mandir
  • Sub-Centres
  • Primary Health Centres (PHCs)
  • Community Health Centres (CHCs)
  • District hospitals
  • Tertiary care hospitals
This makes treatment easier and more accessible.

TRAINING OF HEALTH WORKERS

The government regularly trains:

  • Doctors
  • ASHA workers
  • ANMs
  • Other frontline health staff

Purpose:

  • Early identification of symptoms
  • Proper referral
  • Quick treatment

CONTACT TRACING & PREVENTION

  • Family members and close contacts of patients are checked.
  • Preventive medicine called Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is given to eligible contacts.
  • This helps stop further transmission.
REHABILITATION & DISABILITY SUPPORT Under NLEP, patients also receive Disability Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation (DPMR) services. These include:
  • Treatment for reactions and complications
  • Training for self-care
  • Assistive devices
  • Micro-Cellular Rubber (MCR) footwear to protect insensitive feet
  • Reconstructive surgery for severe cases

DATA MONITORING

  • State-wise and district-wise data is available on the Directorate General of Health Services
  • This helps the government monitor progress.
OVERALL OBJECTIVE India’s strategy focuses on three major goals:
  1. Early detection of cases
  2. Timely treatment for patients
  3. Reducing stigma and discrimination
Together, these steps aim to eliminate leprosy as a public health problem in India.