India Achieves a Remarkable Decline in Leprosy Prevalence
India has witnessed an extraordinary public health achievement in leprosy control, reporting a 99% drop in prevalence per 10,000 population and a 98% reduction in active cases under treatment over the last 44 years. The government’s official statement highlights how domestic policy, early diagnosis, and universal access to multidrug therapy have transformed the trajectory of Hansen’s disease in the country.
The Numbers Behind the Milestone
In 2025, India’s prevalence rate stood at 0.57 per 10,000 people, with approximately 0.82 million patients on treatment. By contrast, in 1981 the prevalence was a staggering 57.2 per 10,000 and 3.919 million people were undergoing treatment. These figures underscore the scale of progress achieved under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) and its ongoing commitment to interrupt transmission.
Two Decades of Sustained Improvement
Since March 2006, when the annual report confirmed a <1 per 1,000 (0.84 per 10,000) prevalence, India has seen a continued decline in new case detection. The government notes a 37% fall in new case detection, illustrating that early case finding and prompt treatment have been pivotal in reducing disease transmission and preventing disabilities.
What Has Driven the Transformation?
Central to India’s success is the Multidrug Therapy (MDT) regimen introduced in 1983. MDT combines rifampicin, clofazimine, and dapsone to effectively treat leprosy, stopping the disease’s spread when delivered free of cost to patients. The government emphasizes that the program’s effectiveness rests on three pillars: universal access to MDT, timely adoption of updated treatment guidelines, and robust public health infrastructure capable of sustaining supply chains and treatment adherence.
National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP)
Launched as a centrally sponsored scheme under the National Health Mission, NLEP has evolved into a comprehensive framework for early diagnosis, treatment, disability prevention, and post-exposure prophylaxis. Officials credit political will, sustained investment, and community engagement for keeping MDT available and accessible, thereby preventing disability and deformity associated with the disease.
Sub-National Progress and Ongoing Goals
As of March 2025, 31 states and 638 districts have achieved a prevalence rate below 1 per 10,000, reflecting substantial regional achievements and highlighting remaining pockets where intensified efforts are needed. Leprosy is now increasingly screened through integrated public health initiatives, including Ayushman Bharat, Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), and Rashtriya Kishore Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK). This integration ensures that both adults and children receive timely screening and treatment.
Strategic Roadmap to Zero Transmission
India aligns its NLEP with the National Strategic Plan and Roadmap for Leprosy (2023–2027) and the WHO Roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases (2021–2030). The objective is clear: interrupt transmission of leprosy by 2030. While the nation nears zero transmission, experts stress that sustained political will, adequate funding, and active public involvement remain crucial to reach and maintain the goal at both national and sub-national levels.
What This Means for Public Health
The leprosy milestones demonstrate that a well-coordinated national program can dramatically alter the course of a long-standing disease. Early detection, free MDT supply, and community engagement not only reduce prevalence but also prevent disabilities and stigmatization associated with leprosy. As India approaches its zero-transmission target, the experience serves as a model for other nations with similar disease burdens.
Looking Ahead
Continued focus on surveillance, rapid case finding, and prophylactic measures will be essential. With the roadmap in place and a track record of success, India’s public health system remains positioned to sustain gains, adapt to new evidence, and protect vulnerable populations from leprosy’s impact.
