Feature
Across India, the prevalence of leprosy has witnessed a remarkable hundred-fold reduction, from 57.2 cases per 10,000 population in 1981 to just 0.57 per 10,000 as of March 2025. This drastic decline, amounting to over 99% reduction in prevalence, underscores the nation’s unwavering commitment to achieving a leprosy-free India.
Implemented under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the National Health Mission (NHM), the initiative has enabled 31 States and 638 districts, including Jammu and Kashmir, to maintain prevalence rates below the elimination benchmark of less than 1%. This achievement stands as a testament to the country’s sustained public health efforts and effective disease surveillance mechanisms.
Leprosy in the country
Beginning in the early 1950s, India’s public health response to curb the leprosy disease started with the launch of the National Leprosy Control Programme (NLCP). This programme gained momentum in 1983, with the introduction of Multidrug Therapy (MDT), the transforming treatment outcomes and paving the way for the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP).
Another watershed moment came in December 2005, when India achieved elimination of leprosy as a public health problem at the national level. Over the past two decades, consistent efforts have been made to achieve sub-national elimination, strengthen surveillance, enhance community awareness, and provide integrated services for prevention and care.
J&K’s response
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has demonstrated remarkable success in the effective implementation of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP). Today, the region reports one of the lowest case incidences in the country and has nearly achieved the elimination benchmark, with a current prevalence rate of 0.07 per 10,000 population as of March 2025.
The government-led initiative in the Himalayan region has placed strong emphasis on early detection, strengthened door-to-door surveillance through Leprosy Case Detection Campaigns (LCDC), and ensured timely administration of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) using Single Dose Rifampicin (SDR) for contacts of confirmed cases.
The commendable efforts of health personnel, particularly the ASHA workers, who also played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been instrumental in this achievement. Owing to their dedication and sustained outreach, this infectious disease affecting the skin and peripheral nerves has been brought under near elimination in Jammu and Kashmir.
Government interventions
Two years back in 2023, the Digital Platform (Nikusth 2.0) launched to track leprosy cases and manage drugs in real-time. The platform has allowed the treatment to be updated with a Revised Treatment Regimen. Today, the Integrated Screening includes leprosy under Ayushman Bharat and other schemes for early detection.
The Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (DPMR) program provides free MCR footwear, aids, and surgery wage compensation. Besides, the ASHA-Based Surveillance empowers local workers to find new cases, especially in hilly and remote areas of the Himalayan region.
National Strategic Plan
In 2023, the launch of the Digital Platform -Nikusth 2.0 marked a major step forward in leprosy control and management. The platform enables real-time tracking of cases and efficient drug management, while also facilitating the implementation of the Revised Treatment Regimen.
Today, integrated screening for leprosy has been incorporated under Ayushman Bharat and other national health schemes, ensuring early detection and timely intervention. The Disability Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation (DPMR) programme further supports affected individuals by providing free MCR footwear, assistive aids, reconstructive surgery, and wage compensation.
Additionally, the ASHA-based surveillance system has empowered local health workers to identify new cases, particularly in the hilly and remote areas of the Himalayan region, ensuring that no case goes undetected and every patient receives the care they deserve.
Critical Breakthroughs
National Prevalence Rate (NLEP): Reduced from 57.2 (1981) to 0.57 (2025) per 10,000 population
Child Cases: Reduced from 9.04% (2014-15) to 4.68% (2024-25) among new cases
Grade 2 Disability Rate: Reduced from 4.68 to 1.88 per million population (2014-2025)
New Case Detection Rate: Reduced from 9.73 to 7.0 per 100,000 (2014-2025)
PEP-SDR Coverage: Increased from 71% (2019-20) to 92% (2024-25) among eligible contacts
International Collaboration and Recognition
Throughout these years, India has collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO), ILEP partners, Sasakawa Health Foundation, The World Bank, and other NGOs.These critical partnerships have contributed to free supply of MDT, capacity building, programme evaluation, and enhanced outreach.
The collaboration has allowed India to become a signatory to the Global Appeal to End Stigma and Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy since 2006, reinforcing the country’s commitment to human dignity and inclusion.
Undoubtedly, India’s journey to eliminate this infectious disease showcases an effective political willingness, peoples’ participation, and result-oriented health interventions by the administration. With a consistent roadmap, paved by innovative strategies, and critical support from government and non-government partners, the country is well directed towards achieving zero leprosy transmission.
Courtesy: Press Information Bureau, Srinagar
