Leprosy Control Activities Integration Into general Health System In Endemic Area Of South Gujarat Region, India

Abstract

Background: In India, integration of leprosy control into general health system has been undertaken with assistance of World Bank in a phased manner.Objective: to conduct operation research in endemic district to assess the progress of integration of leprosy control activities in general health systemMethods: Total 7 PHCs were selected out of 39 PHCs in Valsad district. Two PHCs each were selected from two talukas having PR > 5/10,000 populations & one PHC each from remaining three talukas with PR > 2/10,000 populations. Block Health Officers, Medical Officers & general health staff was interviewed. Operation research done by using defined categories like, training of health personnel, validation, simplified information system, disability prevention & medical rehabilitation activities, and performance of NLEP.Results: Block Health Officers, Medical Officers, & paramedical personnel were interviewed for their knowledge regarding Leprosy. Various indicators like validation of diagnosis in the field, SIS maintenance, IEC activities implementation, DPMR activities, MDT logistics, were assessed. Year wise various indicators of NLEP were assessed including prevalence rate, new case detection rate, multibacillary proportion, child cases proportion, & deformities proportion.