Leprosy: training of health workers on skin-NTDs

Leprosy occurs worldwide. The prevalence of leprosy has decreased from more than 5 million cases in the 1980s to a little over 170 000 in 2019 due to the introduction of Multi-drug therapy. Even though the prevalence has decreased, the new cases continue occurring which are around 208 000 annually and out of which 8% are children and 5% are detected with deformities (grade 2 disabilities). If leprosy is not diagnosed early, it may lead to deformities which affect socio-economic and psychological conditions of the persons affected. It is common in communities where overcrowding and poverty coexist. Leprosy is associated with certain stereotypes in the community often resulting in discrimination of the persons affected.

This course addresses the epidemiology of leprosy, suspect and refer, diagnosis and treatment, lepra reactions, prevention of disabilities and public health interventions.

The Course is also now available in Bahasa Indonesia. Please click here to access it.

Overview: Leprosy can be suspected or diagnosed at the peripheral health level. Effective treatment exists for individuals diagnosed with leprosy. Treatment of lepra reactions and management of disabilities are in place. Chemoprophylaxis to prevent leprosy for contacts of persons affected by leprosy is also available.

The aim of the course is to provide information about leprosy to increase knowledge and skills of front-line health workers in national programmes to manage this disease and its complications.

Learning objectives: By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• explain the epidemiology of leprosy
• describe how to suspect and refer
• identify how to diagnose and classify leprosy
• explain how to treat leprosy
• describe how to diagnose lepra reactions and manage
• describe how to prevent and manage disabilities du toe leprosy
• explain the self-care (hands, feet, and eyes)
• identify how to take slit skin smear (SSS) and report
• describe the post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with single dose of rifampicin
• explain the public health interventions to reduce disease burden and essential indicators

Course duration: Approximately two hours.

Certificates: A Record of Achievement certificate will be available to participants who score at least 80% in the final assessment. Participants who receive a Record of Achievement can also download an Open Badge for this course.