01864nas a2200325   4500000000100000008004100001260001200042653002500054653001300079653001700092653002400109653003100133100001500164700001300179700001300192700001700205700001200222700001300234700001900247700001100266700001200277700001400289700001200303245012800315856006700443300000800510490000600518520100000524022001401524       2024                            d  bMDPI AG10aCommunity engagement10a leprosy10azero leprosy10aLeprosy elimination10acommunity-based approaches1 aFastenau A1 aWillis M1 aVettel C1 aStuetzle SCW1 aPenna S1 aChahal P1 aSchlumberger F1 aMow MB1 aEkeke N1 aChukwu JN1 aDeps PD00aIntegrating Community Engagement in Zero Leprosy Efforts: A Pathway to Sustainable Early Detection, Control and Elimination  uhttps://www.mdpi.com/2414-6366/9/12/296/pdf?version=1733213852  a1-50 v93 a<jats:p>Community engagement has emerged as a critical component in the effective control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), particularly in regions with persistent stigma and limited healthcare access. Drawing on case studies from Brazil, India, and Nigeria, this opinion piece explores how community-driven initiatives have successfully improved leprosy awareness, reduced stigma, and fostered early case detection and treatment adherence. The importance of culturally sensitive, inclusive approaches in health education and stigma reduction campaigns is highlighted, emphasizing the potential for community engagement to enhance national leprosy programs and contribute to the World Health Organization’s Zero Leprosy Strategy. By examining these examples, this article illustrates how integrating community participation into leprosy control and elimination programs can drive sustainable outcomes for achieving Zero Leprosy, even in resource-limited settings.</jats:p>  a2414-6366