Capacity Building of State Leprosy Officers on LPEP

India houses almost 60% of total leprosy cases of the world and the annual new case detection for the last few years continues to be around 115,000 (except last year 2020-21, when it was about 65000). Early case detection and treatment with MDT alone has not been able to stop the transmission as is evident by the number of annual cases detected. The leprosy post exposure prophylaxis (LPEP) with single dose of Rifampicin (SDR) has been found to reduce the occurrence of new cases among contacts of the index case by 60%. Hence, it is expected that by proper implementation of LPEP program, there will be a significant reduction in incidence of Leprosy. Though the national government has directed the states to implement the LPEP through an order issued in October,2018, the states do require hand holding for thorough understanding of the guidelines and implement it. Also, there is need to for uniform understanding of guidelines of LPEP across the country.

This project envisages to build the capacity of State Leprosy Officers (SLOs) of all States and Union Territories of India on various aspects of LPEP implementation and its guidelines. The learning from the LPEP implementation in one of the better performing states will be documented and shared to give them an insight about the good things about the LPEP program as well as the challenges in its implementation; and the potentials solutions to overcome the challenges.

A workshop will be organized under this project for all SLOs. Through this workshop, we expect SLOs to discuss their challenges and develop a good understanding of the LPEP operational guidelines. The CLD officials will also be able to address the operational challenges. The WHO and ILEP members will further support the SLOs in LPEP implementation.

The National/ Regional Workshops for review of LPEP implementation will be conducted after six months which will further help in providing support to the poor performing states and UTs.

Our Approach

It is not just the physical effects of leprosy which devastates lives. The prejudice that people experience is separating them from society and excluding them from full participation in all ways of life, causing many affected and disabled by leprosy to feel ashamed and worthless.

A barrier to treatment

Not only physical effects of leprosy have an impact on the persons affected by this disease, but other consequences are felt even long after treatment of the disease. Social stigma and discrimination are major barriers for equal participation at community level and in wider society. This terrible stigma is also a barrier to treatment. Many people hide away, avoiding a diagnosis for fear of its consequences.