Projects
Projects
Overview
Leprosy is often thought of as an ancient disease. Unfortunately, it has never been eradicated and transmission persists in 23 countries, of which Nepal is one. There are approximately 3,000 cases of leprosy diagnosed in Nepal every year.
Due to the stigma surrounding the disease, many people are diagnosed late when severe nerve damage and permanent lifelong disability has occurred. It is likely many more people with leprosy remain undiagnosed and never get the treatment and support they need. Yet, if it is diagnosed early, leprosy is completely and easily treatable.
The leprosy program in Nepal has made substantial progress, however cases are again rising and 16 districts report prevalence above 1 case per 10,000 people. The proportion of Grade 2 disability among new cases (a consequence of late diagnosis) and childhood cases (an indicator of recent transmission) are also high. Increased community transmission of leprosy was unfortunately fuelled by the reduction in health service access for vulnerable communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ACCELERATE Project: “Accelerating to Zero Transmission of Leprosy,” aims to intensify case finding to improve early case detection and treatment in Banke, Bardiya, Mahottari and Dhanusha districts. We are partnering with two expert tertiary referral hospitals: Shining Hospital in Banke and Lalgadh hospital in Dhanusha to strengthen leprosy case finding efforts in these districts and understand the number of additional cases of leprosy supported to achieve treatment and cure.
PROJECT PERIOD: April 2024 – April 2027
Beneficiaries
Person affected with Leprosy
Project Location
Partners Involved
Donor
Leo Foundation
