Context: 

The Union Health Ministry has devised a strategic road map for achieving zero cases of Leprosy by 2030.

Status of Leprosy in India:

• Despite India being declared “Leprosy Eliminated” in 2005, the country still accounts for over half (52%) of the world’s new leprosy patients.
• Health officials have noted that earlier gains made in the leprosy programme were reversed during COVID­19 as a sudden decline in case detection numbers was noted. 
• Annual case detection rate has halved from 8.13 cases per lakh population to 4.56 cases in 2020-21.
• Early detection of the infection in the affected person can save them from physical disability.

About Leprosy:

• It is a chronic infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae.
• The disease predominantly affects the skin, lungs, eyes and peripheral nerves. Left untreated, the disease may cause progressive and permanent disabilities.
• Transmission: The bacteria are transmitted via droplets from the nose and mouth during close and frequent contact with untreated cases.
• Treatment: Leprosy is curable with multidrug therapy (MDT).

Steps Taken:

• National Strategic Plan & Roadmap for Leprosy (2023-27) and National Guidelines for Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) Surveillance in leprosy were released in 2023 along with the launch of Nikusth 2.0 Portal. 
  • The strategy and roadmap will aid in advancing the campaign against leprosy, to stop transmission, by speeding case detection efforts and maintaining a robust surveillance infrastructure.
  • The aim of the Plan is to eradicate Leprosy in the country by 2027.
  • These guidelines will provide the technical guidance in developing and sustaining a robust surveillance system for AMR surveillance in leprosy patients. 
• Nikusth 2.0 is an integrated portal for leprosy case management under National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP). 
  • It will aid in efficient data recording, analysing and reporting of the data in the form of indicators and a real time dashboard at centre, state and district levels.

News Source The Hindu