Advocacy update from LEPRA Society India
Strengthening reconstructive surgical care for persons affected by leprosy
Although curable, if treatment for leprosy is delayed, it can cause disabilities that may impact an individual’s dignity, livelihood, and reintegration into society. Reconstructive Surgery (RCS) plays a critical role in restoring functionality and improving the quality of life for people affected. However, gaps persist in the availability of trained professionals and accessible surgical services, particularly at the district and regional levels.
Back in October 2024, LEPRA Society and the German Leprosy and TB Relief Association in collaboration with the Department of Plastic Surgery at Vijayawada Government General Hospital, and with the support of the state national leprosy eradication programme, organised a Reconstructive Surgery Orientation. The session, provided to nine government plastic surgeons, developed their surgical capacities through live demonstrations and interactive discussions.
Following on from this activity, seven general physiotherapists in the government general hospitals received training on pre and post operative physio care.
Up until May 2025, staff trained had performed reconstructive surgery for five people affected by leprosy, and seven people were provided with physio care.
Strengthening capacity of general lab technicians for slit skin smear in leprosy diagnosis
Leprosy remains a public health concern in several pockets of India, and timely diagnosis is critical to prevent disabilities and break the chain of transmission. Slit Skin Smear (SSS) continues to be one of three vital diagnostic tools for confirming multibacillary leprosy.
However, the practice of using SSS has in recent times gradually declined due to a lack of trained personnel and limited awareness among general laboratory staff. To address this critical gap, LEPRA Society initiated targeted advocacy efforts in the districts of NTR, Eluru, Krishna, West Godavari, East Godavari, and Vizianagaram.
This initiative was undertaken in close collaboration with key stakeholders, including the director of health, the state leprosy department, and the district medical and health officials. A series of capacity-development building sessions were organised for general laboratory technicians working in the government general hospitals.
The training was conducted by the technical team at the Blue Peter Public Health and Research Centre. 40 lab technicians were trained in the proper methodology of collecting, preparing, and interpreting SSS. The sessions also emphasised the significance of SSS in accurate classification and case management of leprosy, thereby enhancing the diagnostic confidence and clinical effectiveness of the hospital teams.
Regular medical outreach to leprosy communities
LEPRA Society, through its field-level community engagement has consistently observed the pressing need for regular and structured medical attention in leprosy communities, particularly for ulcer care, wound management, and follow-up services as indicated by the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP).
In view of this, LEPRA Society strongly advocates that the district medical and health officers and district leprosy officers institutionalise a fixed schedule wherein trained mid-level health providers or auxiliary nurse midwives visit the leprosy colonies on the first and third Thursday of every month without fail. These visits should ensure timely ulcer dressings, wound care, general health check-ups, and necessary referrals.
Furthermore, the medical officer of the concerned primary health centre or urban primary health centre was directed to visit the colony during these scheduled days or at least once a month to supervise care delivery and attend to any additional medical needs. To ensure accountability and strengthen monitoring, the district leprosy officer was instructed by the state leprosy officer to submit a brief activity report with photographs after each visit to the state office. The state national leprosy eradication programme suggested district medical health officers actively oversee implementation to ensure adherence.
Establishing this system of regular outreach will not only improve health outcomes but also uphold the dignity and quality of life people affected by leprosy.
Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis: Challenges and Priorities – regional workshop by the Indian Council of Medical Research - Vector Control Research Centre: 9 and 10 June 2025, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
The workshop included presentations on India’s progress towards LF elimination, highlighting key achievements, barriers to elimination, and experiences shared by officials from various states regarding the learnings and challenges during mass drug administration (MDA).
Dr Anuj Raut, State Technical Lead, presented best practices of the LF programme in Bihar, as well as the ongoing challenges and future priorities for elimination in the state.
Attendees appreciated Bihar’s initiatives especially the microfilariae (larval stage of the parasite) test. Discussions were also held in relation to the training of laboratory technicians by the microbiology and pathology departments of local medical colleges.
LEPRA Society to contribute to new study
LEPRA Society is due to collaborate on a new study from the ICMR Vector Control Research Centre in partnership with the Women’s Collective Forum. The study titled, 'Never-treated during MDA: Reaching the Unreached’ will cover three states: Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
