Health Ministry Charts Roadmap for a Leprosy-Free India

The National Leprosy Eradication Programme continues to focus not only on treatment but also on disability prevention and rehabilitation.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has stepped up efforts to eliminate leprosy transmission by bringing together health officials, experts and development partners at a two-day regional workshop in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The meeting focused on strengthening strategies to achieve a leprosy-free India, with particular attention on districts where the disease continues to affect communities despite significant progress made over the past two decades.

Addressing the gathering, Additional Secretary and National Health Mission Director Aradhana Patnaik highlighted that India achieved leprosy elimination as a public health problem at the national level in 2005. Cases continue to be reported in several districts, making targeted interventions essential for breaking the chain of transmission. She stressed that early diagnosis and prompt treatment remain among the most effective tools in preventing the spread of the disease and reducing long-term disability.

Five States Account for Nearly Half of India's Cases

Officials noted that Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh together contribute nearly 50 percent of India's leprosy burden. Several districts within these states continue to report prevalence levels above one case per 10,000 population, making them priority areas for intervention.

Health authorities are encouraging wider implementation of Leprosy Case Detection Campaigns, stronger contact tracing and greater use of Single-Dose Rifampicin (SDR) as post-exposure prophylaxis for eligible contacts of patients. These measures are expected to help identify infections earlier and reduce the risk of transmission within families and communities.

Patnaik also called for better use of existing health platforms, including community health assessments, child health programmes and adolescent health initiatives, to improve screening and early detection efforts. She urged state governments to regularly review programme performance, identify operational gaps and take corrective action wherever necessary.

Early Detection and Rehabilitation Remain Key Priorities

Deputy Director General (Leprosy) Dr Sunil V. Gitte informed participants that India detected 91,783 new leprosy cases during 2025–26, with a prevalence rate of 0.56 per 10,000 population. Children accounted for 4.18 percent of newly detected cases, while 2.12 percent of patients were diagnosed with Grade-2 disability, indicating delayed detection in some cases.

The National Leprosy Eradication Programme continues to focus not only on treatment but also on disability prevention and rehabilitation. During the year, 1,591 reconstructive surgeries were performed for persons affected by leprosy. More than 1.03 lakh pairs of Micro Cellular Rubber footwear and over 1.25 lakh self-care kits were distributed to support rehabilitation and improve quality of life.

The workshop concluded with participating states developing action plans tailored to local challenges. Officials, public health experts and international partners expressed confidence that stronger surveillance, community participation, stigma reduction efforts and coordinated action would accelerate progress towards a future where India is free from leprosy, disability and disease transmission.