Overview
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) organised a two‑day regional workshop in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh, to review the performance of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) and to chart state‑specific actions for achieving a leprosy‑free India.
Key Developments
- States were urged to conduct periodic Leprosy Case Detection Campaigns in endemic districts.
- Expansion of Single‑Dose Rifampicin (SDR) as Post‑Exposure Prophylaxis for eligible contacts.
- Integration of leprosy screening with Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) and Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK).
- Use of Community‑Based Assessment Checklists (CBAC) for early case finding.
- Strengthening of disability prevention measures – >1,591 reconstructive surgeries, >1.03 lakh MCR footwear, and >1.25 lakh self‑care kits distributed.
Important Facts
During 2025‑26, 91,783 new leprosy cases were reported, giving a prevalence of 0.56 per 10,000 population. Children accounted for 4.18 % of new cases and 2.12 % presented with Grade‑2 disability at diagnosis. Five high‑priority states – Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh – contribute nearly 50 % of the national burden, with several districts still above the elimination threshold of one case per 10,000.
UPSC Relevance
The workshop illustrates the intersection of public‑health policy (GS3), inter‑governmental coordination (GS2), and social‑justice concerns such as stigma reduction (GS4). Understanding NLEP’s strategy helps answer questions on disease eradication programmes, health‑system strengthening, and the role of the National Health Mission.
Way Forward
States must:
- Conduct regular micro‑planning and surveillance in high‑endemic districts.
- Scale up SDR‑based PEP and contact‑screening, especially in hard‑to‑reach areas.
- Leverage existing child and adolescent health platforms (RBSK, RKSK) for integrated screening.
- Maintain robust IEC campaigns to combat stigma and encourage early reporting.
- Utilise flexi‑pool funds under the National Health Mission for rapid response.
Continued collaboration among the centre, state governments, WHO, ILEP and SILF is expected to accelerate progress toward a leprosy‑free, disability‑free, and transmission‑free India.