India stands on the threshold of eliminating one of humanity’s oldest diseases, with government data revealing a 99% drop in leprosy prevalence since 1981, a public health victory rooted in science, compassion, and sustained national commitment.
In 1981, leprosy affected an estimated 57.2 individuals out of every 10,000 in India. As of 2025, that figure stands at a record low of 0.57 per 10,000, with just 0.82 lakh patients under treatment compared to over 39 lakh four decades ago. This milestone was achieved through the National Leprosy Eradication Program (NLEP), which has evolved from early detection and free community treatment to digital case surveillance and targeted interventions.
Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It can disable nerves and skin if left untreated but is now completely curable when caught early. Since 1983, widespread access to multi-drug therapy (MDT) has transformed outcomes and is available free at all government health facilities, thanks to support from the World Health Organization. The government also now screens for leprosy through Ayushman Bharat, RBSK, and RKSK programs, integrating detection into broader health coverage.
India reached the WHO’s definition of “elimination as a public health problem” in 2005, maintaining prevalence below one case per 10,000 nationwide since then. Today, 31 states and 638 districts have achieved this benchmark, with new case detection rates and child cases both falling sharply in recent years. The new National Strategic Plan (2023–2027) aims to interrupt transmission by 2030, with a special focus on rapidly identifying clusters, digital hotspot mapping, and post-exposure preventive therapy.
Despite medical progress, many people affected by leprosy continue to face discrimination. The government and partners run nationwide awareness initiatives like the SPARSH campaign and “Don’t Forget Leprosy” to promote early diagnosis, encourage self-reporting, and challenge outdated myths. States are also working to remove discriminatory laws and integrate social and mental health support as part of routine care.
Digital tracking through the Nikusth 2.0 portal and new classification and treatment guidelines reflect India’s drive for data-driven action. Accredited health workers, NGOs, and community volunteers remain at the forefront of detection, care, and rehabilitation, empowering affected individuals and ensuring no case goes untreated.
As India edges ever closer to halting all new cases including in children. The story of leprosy control stands as a testament to decades of innovation, resilience, and empathy. The focus for 2030: sustaining vigilance, overcoming new challenges, and ensuring every person has timely access to care so that leprosy may finally become history.
This article has inputs from NewsGram.