ICMR calls for proposals to evaluate Leprosy Eradication Programme

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has called for research proposals to
evaluate the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP). The deadline for
scientists and doctors to submit proposals is December 15.

India achieved leprosy elimination as a public health problem in December 2005,

however last year the country recorded 64 per cent of the total new cases of leprosy
detected all over the world.

While leprosy eradication has been defined by WHO (World Health Organisation)
to be less than one case in a population of 10,000, over 200 districts of India in
parts of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu recorded more
numbers last year.

Dr V M Katoch, director general, ICMR, has said, “Leprosy eradication is one of

the success stories of the public health programme in India, notwithstanding the
continuing emergence of new cases from some pockets.”

“We are trying to revamp the NLEP in two directions to consolidate our gains: one,
to specifically target these areas; and second, to ensure that the success we have
achieved is not reversed,” Dr V M Katoch has added. [Source: Express India]

Categories: NEWS

Tags: Dr V M Katoch, ICMR, Leprosy Eradication Programme, NLEP, WHO