NATIONAL LEPROSY ERADICATION PROGRAM
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
- Long incubation period
- Continued transmission in some high-burden areas
- Better surveillance and detection programmes
- 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:
- Early detection of cases
- Timely treatment for patients
- Reducing stigma and discrimination
Together, these steps aim to eliminate leprosy as a public health problem in India.
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