‘Early intervention can bring down leprosy rate in Tamil Nadu’

Even as Tamil Nadu maintains a leprosy prevalence rate of 0.44 per 10,000 people, below the national average of 0.66 per 10,000 people, there is a strong need for such programmes as new cases are being diagnosed every year. 

According to the Minister, the prevalence rate in the state was lesser than the national average of in the state. Last year, 4,925 leprosy patients were treated and the focus now was to reduce the number of cases, he said, adding “early intervention is the best way to achieve this goal. This also helps reduce disability among those affected.” Calling the numbers, a healthy sign, Dr Srinivas G, National Medical Advisor, German Leprosy and TB Relief Association-India (GLRA), said compared to the previous year, in 2015-2016, more cases were detected. 

“Tamil Nadu has fared much better than the rest of the country in terms of leprosy detection. But there is a need to increase awareness among the masses,” he added. Dr Srinivas pointed out that there has been a 15 per cent rise in the cases among children. 

“The same is at 10 per cent on the national level. This also speaks of the extent of transmission in that particular group,” he added. The SPARSH programme, funded by the Central government, would make a huge difference, as it directly the panchayats in the drive. However, on the flip side, the disability rate among the new cases was around five per cent, pointed out Dr Srinivas. 

“We have declared that it was eliminated long back, so the disability stemming out of leprosy is not considered as a public health issue. However, anything resulting in disability must be taken into consideration. There is a need for a disability audit system,” he added. Dr Vijaya Bhaskar also added that awareness programmes should be held every year on January 30 and this year it would continue till February 13. Those seeking treatment (multi drug treatment) would receive assistance from primary health centres and government hospitals.