LEPROSY ERADICATION PROGRAMME

SMKS' main concentration is now on the eradication of leprosy from the country. SMK feels proud in executing National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) of the Government of India, with its own resources, without any monetary assistance from the government. The organization's Survey, Education and Treatment team from 1992 till date has examined close to 1.3 million people in and around areas of Jaipur for symptoms of leprosy and has also detected and treated over two thousand cases of this disease.

Multi Drug Therapy came into wide use from 1982 and National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) was launched in 1983 with the objective to control the disease in all the known cases of leprosy. To strengthen the process of elimination of Leprosy in the country, the first World Bank supported project was introduced in 1993. Since 2004 the programme is being continued with Government of India funds with additional support from WHO and ILEP organizations. After integration of leprosy services with General Health Care system in 2002-03, leprosy diagnosis and treatment services are available free of cost at all the Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in all the districts in India.

Although the prevalence has come down at national level. Yet large number of new cases were detected during the year. New cases will continue to occur and will have to be provided quality leprosy services through existing GHC system for early diagnosis and treatment. Further there are few districts & blocks with prevalence rate of more than 2/10,000 population that need extra focus. The future strategy of the programme is to further reduce the leprosy burden, provide quality leprosy services through GHC system, enhance disability prevention and rehabilitation services, reduce stigma and discrimination, capacity building of GHC staff and strengthening monitoring and supervision.

Source: www.nlep.nic.in