Scaling up quality Leprosy Care in Jharkhand state
Situation:
Despite India’s official elimination of leprosy in 2005, Jharkhand remains a high-burden state, reporting 7.8% of India’s new cases despite representing only 3% of the population. The 21 target districts account for 90% of the state’s cases, with delayed diagnosis leading to preventable disabilities. Stigma, weak referral systems, and limited rehabilitation services continue to affect people affected by leprosy. In addition, specialised expertise is declining as a experienced staff retire, creating an urgent need to strengthen capacity, referrals, disability prevention, and rehabilitation.
Objectives:
Project Goal:
To enhance access to timely diagnosis, disability prevention and comprehensive rehabilitation for persons affected by leprosy in 21 (12 old and 9 new) districts of Jharkhand by 2028.
Sub-Goals:
- Strengthen and expand leprosy services across Jharkhand.
- Enhance medical rehabilitation services.
- Provision of Tertiary Care for Leprosy-Related Complications
By 2028, 80% of primary health centres in all 21 target districts will provide quality leprosy services. Additional indicators measure improved referral systems, increased access to reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation, better management of complications, and enhanced inclusion of persons affected by leprosy in disability certification, welfare programmes, and socio-economic support schemes.
- 15,000 new leprosy patients reached with improved diagnosis and treatment services.
- 2,700 persons affected by leprosy with disabilities receive rehabilitation and disability prevention services.
- 750 health workers trained in leprosy diagnosis, management and referral.
- 38,000 family members and contacts screened, counselled or supported.
The project strengthens government health systems by training frontline staff, embedding referral pathways, and integrating tools, protocols, and monitoring mechanisms into the National Leprosy Elimination Programme. Continued support from DFIT’s tertiary referral centre and local health authorities will ensure lasting access to quality leprosy care beyond the project period.
DF implements health programmes in Belgium and across 13 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. With more than a thousand staff members, 99% of whomare nationals of the countries where DF operates, the organisation works independently and is committed to sustained, long-term medical development cooperation.
Further information: https://damienfoundation.be/three-diseases/
