Advancing Leprosy Eradication: India's New Treatment Regimen

Context

The Health Ministry, in a significant move, has introduced a new treatment regimen for leprosy, with the ambitious goal of halting its transmission at the sub-national level by 2027. This initiative aligns with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, pushing the deadline forward by three years.

Background

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has greenlit a three-drug regimen for Pauci-Bacillary (PB) cases, replacing the existing two-drug regimen lasting six months.
This decision is rooted in the latest global scientific research and evidence-based practices.

Implementation Timeline and WHO's Role:

The World Health Organization (WHO) has committed to providing the revised drug regimen starting April 1, 2025.
States and Union Territories are urged to submit their requisitions for anti-leprosy drugs a year in advance.
Simultaneously, the revised classification of leprosy and the treatment regimen for PB and multi-bacillary (MB) cases in India will come into effect.
Despite the efficacy of the existing two-drug regimen, the introduction of a third drug, clofazamine, has been met with some questioning.
Healthcare experts, point out that the two-drug regimen is already effective, and the third drug may introduce additional side effects.

Understanding Leprosy:

Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae bacteria, is a chronic infectious disease impacting the skin and peripheral nerves.
If left untreated, it can lead to permanent disabilities.
The bacteria spread through droplets from the nose and mouth during close contact.
Multi-drug therapy (MDT), consisting of dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine, is recommended by the WHO for curing leprosy.

Rationale Behind Three-Drug Regimen:

PB patients exhibit fewer visible bacteria and show no signs of advanced disease in biopsies, while MB patients have visible bacteria and may display indications of more advanced disease.
The new treatment regimen is seen as a significant stride towards achieving the collective goal of eradicating leprosy in India by 2027.