Leprosy Elimination Coping With Insidious Challenges

In human history, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are emerging priorities in the global health agenda. While the NTDs continue to disproportionately affect the poorest sections of the society, poor health systems, inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene services in the low-income countries have been the most persistent challenges in prevention and care. Leprosy is one of the age-old NTDs. The human face of leprosy is alarming. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), this chronic infectious disease is primarily caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. It affects skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and eyes. It is curable and the treatment in the early stages can prevent disability.