Epidemiology, Prognosis, and Prevention of Leprosy Worldwide

Abstract

Leprosy is one of the oldest diseases known to man that has multidimensional consequences. Despite much progress in our knowledge of the disease and its demographics and epidemiology, significant gaps exist in our understanding of its transmission. The target of eliminating leprosy as a public health problem (prevalence of less than 1 per 10,000) was reached in 2000 at the global level. However, there was no decline in the numbers of new cases detected. Although leprosy is a curable disease, it is still associated with myths and misconceptions that lead to stigma and discrimination resulting in marginalization, social exclusion, and denial of rights of those affected by leprosy. The most important intervention is to get leprosy back as a public health priority so that there is political commitment and seriousness in addressing the issues that surround the disease. A rights-based approach will help in addressing effectively the stigma and the various forms of discrimination associated with the disease strengthened by an active mass awareness campaign.