Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by

the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. The elimination of leprosy as a public health

problem has been a global goal for many years. The World Health Organization
(WHO) launched the Global Leprosy Strategy 2016–2020 with the overarching goal of
reducing the burden of leprosy and its associated stigma.

The key elements of the strategy include:

1. Early detection and prompt treatment: Identifying and treating leprosy

cases at an early stage is crucial to prevent the development of disabilities and
reduce transmission. Multi-drug therapy (MDT) is the recommended
treatment for leprosy.
2. Integration of leprosy services into general health services: Integrating
leprosy services into the general health system helps reduce stigma and
discrimination associated with the disease. It also ensures that leprosy patients
have access to a comprehensive range of health services.
3. Capacity building and empowerment: Strengthening the capacity of
healthcare workers and empowering communities to take ownership of
leprosy control programs are essential components of the strategy. This
involves training healthcare personnel in the diagnosis and treatment of
leprosy and educating communities about the disease to reduce stigma.
4. Surveillance and monitoring: Surveillance systems are critical for monitoring
the prevalence of leprosy, identifying new cases, and assessing the
effectiveness of control programs. This involves regular reporting and analysis
of leprosy data.
5. Research: Continued research is necessary to improve diagnostic tools,
treatment regimens, and our understanding of the transmission dynamics of
leprosy. Research also plays a crucial role in addressing the social and
economic aspects of the disease.

Elimination of leprosy as a public health problem is defined as achieving a prevalence

rate of less than one case per 10,000 population at the national level. Many countries
have made significant progress in reducing the burden of leprosy, but challenges
remain, especially in regions with limited resources and high levels of poverty.

It's important to note that elimination as a public health problem does not mean the
complete eradication of the disease. Even after achieving this goal, efforts must
continue to provide ongoing care for individuals affected by leprosy and address the
social and economic consequences of the disease