Leprosy prevalence rate to come down from 0.69 per 10,000 population in 2014-15 to 0.45 in 2021-22: Center

He said that the annual new case detection rate per 1,00,000 population has come down from 9.73 in 2014-15 to 5.52 in 2021-22.

Speaking on the occasion of National Leprosy Day in New Delhi, Bharti said that it is a matter of great concern that India accounts for about 52 per cent of the total leprosy cases worldwide.

This year’s theme was “Let us fight leprosy and make leprosy a history”.

The Minister said that the country is determined to fight it with various interventions like the National Leprosy Eradication Plan and with the participation of the state and common citizens.

“Our leprosy program of the country endeavors to detect and treat cases as early as possible, give free treatment to prevent the development of disabilities and deformities, medical rehabilitation of existing deformities. The welfare allowance is raised from 8,000 onwards 12,000 to patients for their reconstructive surgeries,” she said.

The program also works towards spreading awareness and reducing the stigma associated with the disease. Surveillance was also strengthened by introducing ASHA-Based Surveillance for Leprosy Suspects (ABSULS), where grassroots workers are continuously engaged in testing and reporting suspects.

Under focused leprosy campaign, special emphasis was given to areas which were difficult to reach or where there were cases of children and handicapped cases.

“Since 2015, with sustained efforts under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme, we have been able to prevent many cases of disability due to leprosy,” he said.

The minister also stressed on the need to spread awareness on the stigma attached to leprosy.

“India is making progress and new cases of leprosy are coming down year by year. With the support, coordination and cooperation of the entire government, the entire society, we can achieve ‘Leprosy Free’ by 2027, three years ahead of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). India’s goal can be achieved. Video address at the event.

Reiterating Mahatma Gandhi’s abiding concern for people affected by leprosy, the Minister said that the concern and commitment for the cure of leprosy has its roots in our history.

“His vision was not only to cure them but also to bring them into the mainstream in our society. Our efforts to eradicate leprosy from this country under the National Leprosy Eradication Program is a great tribute to his vision. We have been able to achieve a prevalence rate of 1 case per 10,000 population at the national level in 2005. The need of the hour is to make sustained efforts to eliminate leprosy.”