Leprosy in India: Down but not out - What are we doing about it?

Panelists: Dr. Lily Gangmei, Chief Medical Officer, Central Leprosy Division, Govt. of India; Dr. Rashmi Shukla, National Professional Officer, WHO; Dr. Ritu Ghosh, Executive Director, GPZL; Dr. Srilekha Penna, National Coordinator, ILEP; and Dr. Ashok Agarwal, CEO, NLR India Foundation

Moderators: Prof. Srinath Reddy, Former President, Public Health Foundation of India; and Dr. Anil Kumar, Principal Advisor, National Centre for Disease Control, Govt. of India

Leprosy is the oldest bacterial disease known to mankind. India has made major progress towards controlling it over the last 25 years, with around 90% reduction in occurrence of new cases and 70% reduction in new cases with disabilities.

With improved early detection, treatment, contact tracing, and preventive measures, India now has a real opportunity to eliminate leprosy and reduce disability.

(Collaboration: NLR India Foundation)