LEPROSY
Despite being a curable disease, leprosy continues to pose a public health challenge in India, particularly due to new child cases and disability at diagnosis. Discuss the causes and suggest measures to achieve the goal of interrupting transmission by 2027. (10 Marks, 150 Words)
Model Answer
Introduction
Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused mainly by Mycobacterium leprae. Although curable through Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT), continued child cases indicate ongoing transmission and gaps in early detection.
Key Concerns
- Child cases: High incidence among children indicates continuing community transmission.
- Delayed detection: Grade-2 Disability (G2D) at diagnosis reflects late identification and treatment.
- Transmission: Prolonged close contact with untreated cases facilitates spread.
- Social stigma: Discrimination can discourage early reporting and treatment.
- Regional burden: India accounts for a significant share of global new cases.
Measures
- Strengthen active case detection and contact tracing, especially among children.
- Ensure universal access to MDT and early treatment.
- Intensify community awareness to reduce stigma.
- Strengthen surveillance and district-level monitoring.
- Focus on high-burden areas and improve disability prevention and rehabilitation.
Conclusion
Achieving the 2027 target requires shifting from passive detection to proactive surveillance, ensuring early treatment and preventing disability through community-based interventions.