Punjab's Ambitious Leprosy Elimination Goal Faces Mixed Progress
Chandigarh: The state of Punjab has set an ambitious target to interrupt leprosy transmission at the district level by 2027, but current data reveals a challenging landscape. While progress has been made, significant gaps remain in achieving comprehensive elimination across all districts.
Current Status and District-Level Achievements
According to the latest program data, only eight of Punjab's twenty-three districts have successfully achieved interruption of transmission status. These districts include:
- Fazilka
- Ferozpur
- Kapurthala
- Mansa
- Muktsar
- Pathankot
- Ropar
- Sangrur
This achievement represents both the progress made in specific regions and the substantial distance still to be covered across the state. The remaining fifteen districts continue to face challenges in breaking the chain of transmission completely.
Active Cases and Concerning Indicators
Punjab currently reports 352 active leprosy cases, with a concerning distribution that indicates ongoing transmission in specific pockets. The breakdown includes:
- 341 multibacillary cases
- 11 paucibacillary cases
- 4 Grade 2 disability cases
- 5 multibacillary child cases
Health officials emphasize that the presence of Grade 2 disability cases and child infections signals late detection and continued spread in certain areas of the state. These indicators highlight the need for more effective surveillance and early intervention strategies.
Strategic Framework and National Alignment
The state's elimination target aligns with the national roadmap spanning from 2023 to 2027. Health authorities acknowledge that true leprosy elimination extends beyond mere numerical reduction. The comprehensive approach focuses on three critical aspects:
- Breaking the chain of transmission through active case detection
- Preventing disability through early diagnosis and treatment
- Removing social stigma through awareness campaigns
The issue gained renewed attention during the recently held civil surgeons conference, where strategies were discussed to accelerate progress toward the 2027 target.
Key Areas of Concern and Action Plans
Health authorities have identified several priority areas requiring immediate attention:
- Intensifying biannual case detection campaigns to achieve transmission interruption by 2027
- Implementing district-specific plans in vulnerable and high-risk areas
- Conducting mandatory Grade 2 disability audits to improve monitoring
- Strengthening referral systems and screening of suspected cases at nearest health facilities
Specific instructions have been issued to conduct targeted leprosy case detection campaigns in high-priority districts including Ludhiana, Mohali, Jalandhar, and Amritsar. These efforts aim to identify and break the chain of spread in areas showing persistent transmission.
Systemic Improvements and Reporting Mechanisms
To enhance surveillance and reporting, the state has been advised to:
- Declare leprosy a notifiable disease to improve tracking
- Sensitize private practitioners to report cases to district leprosy officers
- Strengthen ASHA worker training to recognize early signs including weakness of limbs and difficulty in holding objects or walking
- Improve verification and ensure 100% entry of cases in the Nikusth portal (current entries stand at only 27%)
Comprehensive Campaign Framework
Punjab maintains a structured approach to leprosy elimination through multiple coordinated campaigns:
Leprosy Case Detection Campaign: Conducted in two rounds annually during February and October, this 14-day active case detection drive combines intensive information, education, and communication activities. Methods include:
- Radio jingles and television broadcasts
- Newspaper publicity and awareness materials
- Nukkad nataks (street plays) and magic shows
- Rallies, posters, and pamphlet distribution
- House-to-house visits by ASHA workers
Focus Leprosy Campaign: Implemented in areas where Grade 2 disability or child cases are detected, this initiative intensifies case-finding in vulnerable populations to prevent further spread.
Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign: Conducted annually beginning October 30, this campaign specifically targets stigma and discrimination reduction through awareness programs in schools and colleges, supported by street plays, magic shows, radio messages, and public announcements.
The combination of these strategic initiatives represents Punjab's comprehensive approach to achieving its ambitious 2027 target. While eight districts have demonstrated that transmission interruption is achievable, the state faces the challenge of replicating this success across all remaining districts within the established timeframe.
