Independent Survey to Monitor Performance at the Close of Second National Leprosy Elimination Project

Agency : Central Leprosy Division, MoHFW, GoI

The purpose of the survey was to carry out an independent survey to monitor the performance of the Second National Leprosy Elimination Project (NLEP-II) at the close of the project. The study attempted to assess the quantitative and qualitative achievements made under different components of NLEP-II and gained a complete understanding of the immediate impacts.

The objectives of the independent evaluation were as follows:

  • To assess the qualitative and quantitative achievements made under different components of the Second NLEP
  • To assess leprosy activities on specified indicators on elimination, integration, quality of MDT services, adequacy of drug supply and monitoring
  • To assess the impact of IEC on awareness of leprosy
  • To assess the role-played by NGOs/CBOs in leprosy programme implementation

The study covered 13 states in the country. The project emphasised on five major components: decentralisation and institutional development; strengthening and integration of service delivery; disability care and prevention; training; and information, education and communication. The study revealed that the total number of registered cases reduced from 0.389 million in March 2001 to 0.217 million at the end of the project period implying a reduction of 43 percent. The Prevalence Rate (PR) had reduced from 3.74 in 2001 to 1.99 in 2004 ' a reduction of about 47 percent. Since the trend in reduction in PR is almost linear, the country is expected to reach the elimination status by the last quarter of 2005. The findings of the study were used by the Government of India while making decision to declare leprosy elimination in the country.


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