04.11.2014
Leprosy: what are the final steps to elimination?

The Guardian / Novartis Foundation Progress in eradicating leprosy has stalled in the past five years, a new approach is needed to tackle the remaining cases, writes Ann Aerts in an article for The Guardian.

"To address these requirements, a new collaboration between the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations (ILEP), National Leprosy Programmes and the Novartis Foundation was launched in June to combine the introduction of tracing programmes with appropriate therapy for those who have come into contact with newly diagnosed patients.

The collaboration aims to decrease the risk of developing leprosy, and reduce further transmission of the mycobacteria causing the disease." (Photo: Novartis Foundation)