Global strategy for further reducing the leprosy burden and sustaining leprosy control activities (2006-2010) - Operational guidelines

The main principles of leprosy control, based on timely detection of new cases and their treatment with effective chemotherapy in the form of multidrug therapy, will not change over the coming years. The emphasis will remain on providing quality patient care that is equitably distributed, affordable and easily accessible. At the moment, there are no new technical tools or information that warrant any drastic changes in the strategy for leprosy control. However, there is an urgent need to make decisive changes in the organization of leprosy control, in the attitude of health care providers and beneficiaries, and in the working arrangements between all partners. The main elements of the strategy are as follows: " Sustain leprosy control activities in all endemic countries; " Use case detection as the main indicator to monitor progress; " Ensure high-quality diagnosis, case management, recording and reporting in all endemic communities; " Strengthen routine and referral services; " Discontinue the campaign approach, and " Develop tools and procedures that are home/community-based, integrated and locally appropriate for prevention of disabilities/impairments and for provision of rehabilitation services; " Promote operational research in order to improve implementation of a sustainable strategy, and " Encourage supportive working arrangements with partners at all levels. This strategy will require endorsement and commitment from everyone working towards the common goal of controlling leprosy, to ensure that the physical and social burden of the disease continues to decline throughout the world.