NATIONAL LEPROSY ERADICATION PROGRAMME

Status note for MIZORAM State/ UT

Epidemiological Scenario:

The state has achieved the goal of elimination of leprosy (i.e., Prevalence rate of less than 1 case/10000 population) in 2000.There were 1,534 leprosy cases on record as on March 2023 (or latest available status). Trend of few important indicators since March,2023 is given below:

·      Manpower at State level:

The strength of NLEP in Mizoram is the active participation of ASHA’s regarding case detection in various parts of the state. Capacity building of various staff from the level of Medical Officers up to the level of ASHA’s is another contributing factor. Various awareness programmes at different parts of the State have contributed in alleviation of stigma and discrimination of people affected with Leprosy. Efforts are made to educate the people about leprosy through various IEC activities.

The State is proud to present the fact that all the leprosy cases detected during many years back do not have Grade II disability and  do not need reconstructive surgery which means that they are all detected promptly.

·      Issues and challenges :

As the Programme is at an elimination stage, it is difficult to obtain adequate funds to conduct thorough case detection campaign and house to house surveys. The state has bordered with two neighbouring countries viz. Myanmar and Bangladesh where medical facilities provided to their people are not at par with the rest of the world. The border are quiet long and porous where people transit freely.

New initiatives proposed:

It is proposed to conduct active surveillance among the refugees arriving from Myanmar. It is also aimed to conduct surveillance among the influx of workers arriving from other states who are engaged in Road Constructions, Railways etc.