[Media Watch] Challenging the stigma around leprosy

Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease that continues to occur in over 120 countries worldwide. Approximately 200,000 new cases are recorded each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Early diagnosis and immediate treatment with multidrug therapy (MDT) can substantially decrease the burden of leprosy. Since 1995, MDT has been available free of cost to all patients across the world through WHO. Over 17 million patients with leprosy have received MDT in the past 40 years. WHO also recommends contact tracing and prophylactic treatment with single-dose rifampicin for contacts.