Leprosy Control

Leprosy Control is a public health initiative aimed at reducing the incidence and impact of leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The disease primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves, leading to physical impairments if not treated early. Leprosy control involves a combination of early diagnosis, prompt treatment with multi-drug therapy (MDT), and community education to reduce stigma and discrimination.

History

The history of leprosy control dates back to the late 19th century when Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen discovered Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium responsible for leprosy. However, it was not until the introduction of Dapsone in the 1940s and later, multi-drug therapy in the 1980s, that effective control of the disease became possible.

Strategies

The primary strategy for leprosy control is early detection and treatment with MDT. This approach, recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), has been successful in curing millions of people worldwide. Other strategies include contact tracing and prophylactic treatment of contacts, and community education to reduce stigma and discrimination.

Early Detection and Treatment

Early detection of leprosy is crucial to prevent disability. This is achieved through active case finding in communities where the disease is prevalent, and by encouraging individuals with symptoms to seek medical help. Once diagnosed, patients are treated with MDT, a combination of three drugs: rifampicin, clofazimine, and dapsone. This treatment is provided free of charge by the WHO to all patients worldwide.

Contact Tracing and Prophylactic Treatment

Contact tracing involves identifying and examining people who have been in close contact with leprosy patients. These individuals are at a higher risk of developing the disease and are often given prophylactic treatment to prevent its onset.

Community Education

Community education is a key component of leprosy control. It aims to increase awareness about the disease, its symptoms, and the importance of early treatment. It also seeks to reduce stigma and discrimination against people affected by leprosy.

Challenges

Despite significant progress, leprosy control faces several challenges. These include the persistence of new cases in certain regions, the emergence of drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium leprae, and the ongoing stigma and discrimination against people affected by leprosy.

See Also

• Leprosy
• Mycobacterium leprae
• Multi-drug therapy
• World Health Organization