NATIONAL LEPROSY ERADICATION
PROGRAMME (NLEP)
BACKGROUND
~The National Leprosy Control Programme (NLCP) was launched by the GOI in 1955
with the primary aim of controlling leprosy through early detection and treatment,
initially using Dapsone mono-therapy.
~In the early 1980s, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended Multi-Drug
Therapy (MDT) as a game-changer in leprosy treatment. Responding to this, India
restructured NLCP into the National Leprosy Eradication Programme(NLEP) in 1983,
shifting the focus from control to elimination.
~MDT was introduced nationwide, and the programme adopted strategies to reduce
transmission by detecting and treating all cases promptly.
~NLEP was expanded to all districts by 1993–94, and in line with the National Health
Policy 2002.
~India set a national goal to eliminate leprosy as a public health problem (de ned as less
than 1 case per 10,000 populations). This goal was successfully achieved at the national
level in December 2005.
~Post-elimination, NLEP has focused on sustaining low prevalence, early case detection,
reducing Grade II disabilities, and minimising stigma through community engagement.
~The programme also emphasizes the role of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs),
household contact surveys, and use of digital platforms like Nikusth for case tracking.
~ NLEP continues to work toward a leprosy-free India by sustaining elimination status,
promoting rehabilitation, and eliminating discrimination against persons affected by
leprosy
fi
OBJECTIVES
•To reduce Prevalence rate less than 1/10,000 population
at sub national and district level.
•To reduce Grade II disability % < 1 among new cases at
National level.
•To reduce Grade II disability cases < 1 case per million
populations at National level.
•Zero disabilities among new Child cases.
•Zero stigma and discrimination against persons affected by
leprosy.
MAJOR INITIATIVES
1. More focus has now been given to new case detection than prevalence.
2. Treatment completion rate has been taken as an important indicator.
3. More emphasis is being given given on providing disability prevention and medical
rehabilitation(DPMR).The aid provided is as follows:-
(a)Dressing materials, supporting medicine and ulcer kits are provided to leprosy affected
persons with ulcers and wounds.
(b)Micro-cellular rubber footwear is provided for protection of insensitive feet.
(c)An amount of Rs.12,000/- is provided as an incentive to each leprosy affected person from
BPL family undergoing reconstructive surgery.
(d)Support is also provided to govt. institutions/PMR centres in form of Rs.5,000/- per
reconstructive surgery conducted.
4. ASHAs have been involved in bringing out suspected leprosy cases from
their villages for diagnosis and treatment at PHC and follow-up of con rmed
cases for their treatment completion.
5. Intensive IEC campaign with a theme “Towards Leprosy Free India” has been
carried out towards further reduction of leprosy burden in the community.
fi
THE TREATMENT
AND CARE
PATHWAY IN NLEP
SERVICES IN THE URBAN AREAS
~The services in urban areas are provided mainly through institutional level. Multiple
organizations provide health services in urban localities without much of coordination amongst
them.
~For the implementation of special action under the plan, about 524 urban localities have been
identi ed out of 4,388 urban areas (census 2011).
~Remaining areas will be covered by PHC services as in rural areas (14).
These urban areas are divided into 4 categories:
(a)Town and city (population 1 lac to 5 lacs) - 432 areas;
(b) Medium city (population >5 lac to 1 million) - 53 areas;
(c) Mega city (population >1 million to 4.5 million) - 34 areas;
d) Areas with >4.5 million population - 5 areas.
fi
National Strategic Plan and Roadmap for Leprosy (2023-2027)
Pillar 1: Strengthen leadership, commitment and partnerships
1. Launch and Rollout of NSP & Roadmap 2023-2027
2. States and UTs Speci c Roadmap
Continued political commitment (National, State and District level)
4. Ensure availability of dedicated programme managers at National, State, and high burden
district's level.
5. Resource mapping, pooling and redistribution (at National, State & District level)
[Link] investment at Central and State levels for acceleration, enhancing coverage and
addition of new components as per NSP 2023-2027
fi
7. Training of healthcare service providers at least once in 3 years
8. Fill up vacant positions under programme
9. Involvement of AYUSH for NLEP
10. Launch of Guidelines for AMR surveillance for leprosy
11. Rollout of AMR surveillance
12. Adopt the global and national new evidence and research (if any)
13. Strengthen partnership with existing partners and add new partners and donors
Pillar 2: Accelerate Case Detection
1. Develop behavioural change communication plan
2. Develop and rollout mobile Ap for self-examination and voluntary reporting
3. High Intensity Awareness Campaigns in high endemic settings and Focused High Intensity
Awareness Campaigns in low endemic settings for self-examination and voluntary reporting
4. Continued LCDC, FLC, ABSULS, Special plans for hard-to-reach areas
[Link] with other National Health Programmes for case detection
6. Inter-sectoral coordination with other govt. departments and private sector for case detection
7. Long term follow-up of contacts of leprosy cases (for 5 years)
Pillar 3: Provide Quality Services
1. Develop tool (checklist) for complete package of services and ensure access and
availability
2. Coordination with other National Health Programmes for case management
and supportive care
3. Provision of nutritional support and supportive medicines
4. Coordination with medical colleges, private practitioners, NGO and private
clinics/hospitals etc.
5. Orientation of Non-Govt. stakeholders for following the NEP guidelines
6. Introduce & roll out pharmacovigilance for adverse reactions to drugs
Pillar 4: Prevention of Disease, Disabilities, Stigma,
Discrimination and Violation of Human Rights
1. Expand coverage of Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
2. Implementation Research for improved PEP, vaccines, reaction management and
disability prevention etc.
3. Introduction of leprosy vaccine
4. Integrate counselling services for self-care, mental health issues, diabetes and other co-
morbidities for leprosy patients
[Link] availability and quality of assistive devices (aids and appliances)
6. Post treatment surveillance for 5 years, identify high risk cases at time of RFT
[Link] and amendment of all existing discriminatory laws on leprosy
Pillar 5 : Develop Digital Surveillance
Systems for NLEP
1. Launch and rollout of Nikusth 2.0
2. Integration of reporting on IHIP
THANKYOU !!
(Made by roll no. 12)