Leprosy Cases come down in India

The prevalence of leprosy has come down from 42 cases per 100,000 population in 2001-02 to 7 cases per 100,000 population in 2010-11. However, considering very long incubation period of the disease, India will continue to have new leprosy cases for many more years to come.

Government of India continues to accord high priority to elimination of leprosy within the overall framework of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). Leprosy diagnosis and treatment services have been integrated into general healthcare system, and village level functionaries like ASHAs and Anganwadi Workers are involved in bringing leprosy suspects to the health care system for their detection and proper treatment. The Government of India is advocating a district-specific approach for elimination of leprosy, which will be further strengthened during the 12^th Plan period.

Ghulam Nabi Azad given this information in the Lok Sabha (Sept 2011)