The Ministry of Health is set to launch an advanced three-drug treatment protocol for leprosy

The Health Ministry accelerates efforts to eliminate leprosy in India by introducing a groundbreaking three-drug regimen, based on global research. The National Leprosy Eradication Programme aims to achieve sub-national eradication by 2027, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals. The World Health Organization will supply the new drugs from April 1, 2025.

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The Union Health Ministry is spearheading a transformative initiative, three years ahead of schedule, to combat leprosy with an innovative three-drug regimen. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, the Ministry's move aims to achieve sub-national eradication by 2027, signaling a significant leap in healthcare advancements.

In accordance with the latest global scientific research and evidence-based practices, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has decided to replace the existing two-drug regimen with a more potent three-drug regimen for Pauci-Bacillary (PB) cases. This paradigm shift, as outlined in a letter sent by Deputy Director General Dr Sudarsan Mandal, is a crucial step towards halting leprosy transmission at the sub-national level.

The National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) is at the forefront of these efforts, emphasizing the importance of adopting the revised treatment regimen. This groundbreaking decision, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), positions India on the global map for its commitment to eradicating leprosy.

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The Ministry, with the approval of competent authorities, has urged all states and Union Territories to submit their requisition for the advanced anti-leprosy drugs well in advance, considering the WHO's commitment to supplying the revised drug regimen starting April 1, 2025.

Furthermore, a significant aspect of this initiative includes the revised classification of leprosy and treatment regimens for paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB) cases in India. The implementation of these changes in states and Union Territories, effective April 1, 2025, underscores the Ministry's proactive approach to stay ahead in the battle against leprosy.

In a statement, the Ministry expressed confidence that the new treatment regimen would be a landmark achievement in the collective efforts to eliminate leprosy in India by 2027. This bold move positions the country at the forefront of healthcare innovation, marking a decisive step towards a leprosy-free future.