National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) is a Centrally Sponsored Health Scheme and it has been implemented with the major objective of reducing the disease burden, prevention of disability and to improve awareness among the mass about Leprosy and its curability.

Multi Drug Therapy (MDT) is an important instrument to reduce the burden of active cases of Leprosy. Vertical services has been integrated into the General Health Care Services following which Leprosy services are being provided through all the Govt. Hospitals, Primary Health Centers and other Health Care institutions with the help of MDT services free of cost. Diagnosis is being done free of cost for treatment with MDT.

• Started in India in 1955

Target:

• Prevalence rate: < 1 case / 10,000
• Annual New case Detection Rate (ANCDR): < 10/lakh
• Cure rate: > 95% of cases

Strategies:

1. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment
2. Case detection & awareness campaigns:
   1. LCDC (Leprosy Case Detection Campaign)
   2. MLAC (modified Leprosy Awareness Campaign)
3. SPARSH program:
   1. Mascot launched by the Government of India: "SAPNA' SAPNA is a girl child. The concept came from a cartoon character, 'MEENA" (a UNICEF symbol)
   2. Reduce stigma, increase awareness (1° prevention), treat leprosy (2° prevention)
4. Disability prevention and rehabilitation:
   1. Free reconstruction surgery
   2. MCR (Microcellular Rubber) footwear

Quality of service indicators as per NLEP 2020:

Essential indicators:

1. Annual case detection rate (ANCDR) per lakh population.
2. Rate of new cases with grade Il disabilities per 10 lakh population per year.
3. Treatment completion rate (TCR) as a proxy to cure rate. Prevalence rate (PR)

Additional Epidemiological Indicators:

1. Proportion of Grade I disabilities among new cases.
2. Proportion of females among new cases