Universal elimination of leprosy towards zero disabilities among new child cases: plan period: 2016-2020.

The past three decades have witnessed some impressive advances in leprosy control.

However, challenges remain- continued delay in detecting new cases, persisting discrimination

against people affected by leprosy and limited impact on transmission of leprosy infection.

The Global Strategy 2016-2020 is a broad action plan towards “Universal Elimination of

leprosy” which is based on the principles of initiating Action, ensuring Accountability and

promoting Inclusivity.

Initiating action involves developing country- specific plans of actions.

Ensuring accountability is by strengthening Monitoring & Evaluation in all endemic countries in

order to reach the targets/s.

Promoting inclusivity through establishing and strengthening partnership with all stakeholders

including the community of affected people.

There are five strategic operational changes proposed.

1. Focus on children for early case detection before visible disabilities occur. Target of “Zero”

disabilities among new child cases by 2020.

2. Targeted case detection including campaigns in high endemic pockets improving coverage

and access to marginalized population.

3. National Plan of action for screening of household contacts (Target: All house hold contacts

screened)

4. Promote use of shorter, uniform treatment regimen for all categories of leprosy (Target: Use

of uniform MDT in the programme”).

5. Establishing effective collaboration and networks to address relevant technical, operational

and social issues which will benefit communities affected by leprosy. (Target: Inclusive actions

that will reduce discrimination and suffering)

National programs of endemic countries are encouraged to adapt the concepts and principles

as proposed in the global strategy 2016-2020 for developing country-specific plans of actions.