The latest report by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals startling statistics on the prevalence of leprosy in India. Despite officially eliminating the disease in 2005, India is currently home to a staggering 66% of the global count of leprosy patients. This alarming situation requires comprehensive understanding and robust efforts for effective eradication.
Reported Cases and Prevalence Rate of Leprosy in India
According to the WHO definition, ‘elimination’ implies less than one case per 10,000 individuals. Having succeeded in reducing its leprosy prevalence rate to 0.72 per 10,000 people at a national level in 2005, India was deemed to have officially eliminated the disease. However, recent data tells a different story. In the year 2016-17 alone, India detected over 1,35,485 cases of leprosy. As of March 2017, approximately 53 districts across 11 states and Union territories reported a prevalence rate higher than 2 cases per 10,000 population.
Geographical Distribution of Leprosy in India
The states with a higher than average prevalence rate include Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. Union territories such as D&N Haveli, Lakshadweep, and Delhi also figure in this list.
| State/Union Territory | Leprosy Prevalence Rate |
|---|---|
| D&N Haveli | Higher than 2/10,000 |
| Bihar | Higher than 2/10,000 |
| Delhi | Higher than 2/10,000 |
Reasons Behind the Recurrence of Leprosy
The surge in new detections post-2005 can be attributed to two major factors. The first one is the modifications in the National Leprosy Elimination Programme (NLEP) and the Global Leprosy Programme. These resulted in new cases being reported, including instances of child leprosy. The second factor is the apparent complacency in efforts post the declaration of elimination. Health workers, who were instrumental in identifying cases in rural regions, were undermined, leading to a significant reduction in the fight against the disease across different levels.
Combatting Leprosy: The Way Forward
To handle the problem effectively where a substantial number of cases are being reported, it is imperative to strengthen the public health system at the grassroots level. India requires a well-defined strategy and an implementation plan to achieve a comprehensive eradication of leprosy. Measures must include prompt detection, appropriate treatment, and dedicated efforts towards awareness and destigmatization.