Approaches and challenges in the prevention of leprosy.

Paul Saunderson | Bio
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  • Submited: December 10, 2018
  • Published: December 26, 2018

Abstract

he case detection rate of leprosy has been declining very slowly for decades,(1) although with the steep rise in population over the last century, the actual number of cases has risen in some countries.  Several possible causes for this long-term decline are suggested: firstly, an improvement in socio-economic conditions, as has occurred recently, especially in East Asia; secondly, the widespread use of BCG vaccine in infants, especially in the last few decades; and thirdly, better leprosy control measures.  It is not easy, either to gauge the relative importance of these factors, or to boost their effectiveness through specific measures.  There is now, however, a general desire to take a more proactive approach towards reducing the global burden of disease, including specific actions to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases such as leprosy.(2)

 

Multi-drug therapy (MDT) has been surprisingly effective in treating individuals with leprosy.(3)  Failures of treatment are rare, as are relapses and the development of drug resistance.(4)  The management of reactions and neuritis remains a difficult clinical problem in many cases, but one of the best ways to reduce these complications is to get people started on MDT as early as possible, through early case-finding.(5)

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How to Cite
Saunderson, P. (2018). Approaches and challenges in the prevention of leprosy. Ethiopian Medical Journal, 57(1). Retrieved from https://emjema.org/index.php/EMJ/article/view/1206

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