India has made remarkable progress in its decades-long battle against leprosy, transforming from one of the world’s highest-burden countries to the brink of disease elimination. The nationwide prevalence rate has dropped from 57.2 cases per 10,000 people in 1981 to just 0.57 per 10,000 by 2025—a staggering 99% reduction. By March 2025, 31 states and 638 districts have achieved a prevalence rate below 1 per 10,000, classifying leprosy as eliminated as a public health problem across most of the country.

How India Fought Leprosy

• Early Prevention and Control:
  Recognizing leprosy as a national health concern since the 1950s, India launched the National Leprosy Control Programme in 1954-55. The program began with dapsone monotherapy and later expanded to larger scales, eventually covering both urban and rural areas.

• NGO Involvement and Awareness:
  In the 1980s, the government collaborated with NGOs to launch the SET (Survey, Education, and Treatment) scheme, employing field staff to actively identify patients, build awareness, and offer accessible treatment.

• Breakthrough in Treatment:
  In 1982-83, India adopted WHO’s multi-drug therapy (MDT) as the standard for treatment, offering free, effective cures while preventing transmission. This pivotal move resulted in a rapid drop in both incidence and disability rates.

• Community and Technological Initiatives:
  Mass campaigns, use of ASHA workers, inclusion of leprosy detection in programs like Ayushman Bharat and RBSK, and platforms like Nikusth 2.0 for case tracking further improved surveillance and early intervention.

The Present Situation

• Case Statistics:
  In 2025, new case detections and treatment numbers have dropped by over 98% compared to the 1980s. The percentage of children among new cases fell from 9% in 2015 to less than 5% in 2025.

• National Strategy for Zero Transmission:
  The National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) has developed a strategic roadmap for 2023–2027, aiming for zero local (indigenous) cases and total interruption of transmission by 2027–2030. This effort is aligned with WHO global goals.

• Ongoing Vigilance:
  While India has achieved elimination status nationally since 2005, the goal is now to sustain gains, reach marginalized groups, prevent disabilities, and address stigma. Leprosy screening is incorporated in broad public health schemes, and prompt, free treatment remains available everywhere.

The Way Forward

Continuous investment in surveillance, health worker training, digital tracking, rehabilitation, and social support is ensuring India’s last-mile march towards a leprosy-free society. With political will, dedicated funding, and strong community engagement, India is close to achieving not just elimination but eventually zero new cases—realizing an extraordinary public health and humanitarian milestone.