The challenge of leprosy has changed its nature – how to proceed?

The 17th International Leprosy Congress took place in Hyderabad from 30 January to 4 February 2008. It may well have been the last conference of its kind on this scourge of humanity. Why? Because global progress in fighting leprosy over the past two decades constitutes one of the greatest successes in medical history. Millions of people affected by leprosy have been cured. Today, there are very few countries in which annually more than one new leprosy case in 10,000 population is detected.

The now relatively small number of patients has changed the challenge in the fight against leprosy in many ways. Most participants must have left the congress assured that we have not only to continue applying seasoned solutions, but also to take a new effort to develop appropriate novel approaches of integrated leprosy control to successfully move towards a world free of leprosy.

A certain delay in diagnosis and treatment lies in the nature of the disease and the common context of poverty. Leprosy experts tend to see it as a platitude that there are always more cases out there than being reflected in the treatment statistics. However, it caused something of a stir at the congress when a study was presented that pointed out this potentially higher prevalence: The audience was told that a scientifically reliable survey conducted in and around Mumbai by a well-known institute shows that there are three to seven times more leprosy victims than quoted in the official statistics. Suggesting that this might be a general pattern, the authors of the study indicated the need not only for more research, but for new research approaches meeting the requirements of today’s leprosy situation.

“Now, more than ever, a coordinated effort, political will and effective drugs are needed to successfully go the last mile.” After statements like this in his earlier keynote speech at the opening of the congress, the director of the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development, Klaus M. Leisinger took up the theme: “Daniel Vasella, CEO of Novartis, has asked me to assure you that we shall persist in our efforts, and continue to help anyone affected by this disease – until leprosy is eradicated once and for all.” Apart from reiterating the commitment of Novartis to supply its multi-drug therapy free of charge and in line with global requirements, Leisinger referred to the presented survey and announced the Foundation’s intention to start a new study initiative to shed some light on what is needed to further improve leprosy control activities.

See also the conference report.