States » NorthPosted at: Oct 23 2026 11:18PM


Govt committed to leprosy eradication: UP health minister Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh

Lucknow, Oct 23 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh will develop a five-year action plan to strengthen early detection of new leprosy cases, prevent transmission, reduce disability and ensure a dignified life for persons affected by leprosy, State Health Minister Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh said on Friday.
The plan will focus on identifying priority districts and blocks, training health workers, conducting regular reviews and linking affected persons with essential services, he said, inaugurating a two-day state-level conference here.
Organised by the Health and Family Welfare Department in collaboration with the National Leprosy Eradication Programme, ILEP India, Nippon Foundation and Sasakawa Health Foundation, the conference brought together policymakers, health experts, development partners, academicians, frontline workers and other stakeholders to share experiences and discuss strategies for leprosy eradication.
The Minister reiterated the government's commitment to leprosy eradication, while acknowledging that stigma associated with the disease remains a challenge. He assured that the state government would work with the World Health Organization and the Sasakawa Health Foundation on ten identified areas to help realise the vision of a leprosy-free Uttar Pradesh.
Singh said Uttar Pradesh had made significant progress in the health sector over the past decade. "We have brought Japanese Encephalitis (JE) under control, and not a single child in the state has died of the disease in the past three years. Efforts are also continuing to combat sickle cell anaemia and cervical cancer," he pointed out.
State Leprosy Officer Dr Jaya Dehlavi reported that Uttar Pradesh recorded 91,783 new cases in 2025–26, while the treatment completion rate remained above 97 per cent. Active case detection campaigns are being conducted to facilitate early diagnosis and timely treatment. A single dose of rifampicin is being administered to eligible close contacts of persons affected by leprosy as preventive treatment. She added that persons with leprosy-related disabilities are being linked to services such as pensions, protective footwear, wound care, reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation. The aim is to prevent disability and enable every affected person to lead a dignified life.
Dr Ivan J.-F. Hutin, WHO Representative to India, joining the conference virtually, said the leprosy prevalence rate in all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh was 0.34 per 10,000 population. However, hidden cases and delays in diagnosis remain major challenges, he added.
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