Ministry of Health and Family Welfare press release · 10 March 2026 · pibtracker filter

Update on NLEP

PRID2237746 MinistryMinistry of Health and Family Welfare Released10 March 2026 Reading11 min

Government Intensifies Leprosy Elimination Efforts Through LCDC, FLC and Nationwide Awareness Campaigns Multi-Pronged Strategy Adopted for Early Detection, Treatment and Stigma Reduction in Leprosy Active Case Detection, Community Surveillance and Rehabilitation Services Strengthen Leprosy Control Programme Posted On: 10 MAR 2026 6:17PM by PIB Delhi The National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) is a centrally sponsored scheme under the overarching umbrella of National Health Mission (NHM). Funds are allocated to the programme activities under NHM on the basis of State/UT specific Programme Implementation Plans and States/UTs are required to utilize funds as per their need, priority and on the basis of their absorption capacity. Leprosy is a chronic disease which leads to delayed manifestation of symptoms. The persistence of reported leprosy cases is attributed to the long incubation period of the disease, which can range from 5 to 20 years. India has continued to report more than 1,00,000 new leprosy cases annually over the years and accounts for a significant proportion of the global leprosy burden. In addition, ongoing transmission in certain high-endemic pockets, improved surveillance and active case detection activities under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP), and increased awareness resulting in higher reporting contribute to sustained detection of cases. The following steps have been taken by Government to improve the Situation: Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (LCDC): House-to-House surveys in villages and urban areas in identified high burden districts Focused Leprosy Campaign (FLC): Active case search where a new case with Grade 2 Disability (G2D) is detected, this search targets 300 surrounding households in urban areas or the entire village in rural areas Special plan for active case search in hard-to-reach areas: Provision of leprosy services through community participation. ASHA-based surveillance for leprosy suspects (ABSULS) in districts not covered under LCDC to be integrated in the routine activities and continued. Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign (SLAC) is an activity under NLEP organized across the country for general awareness upto village level and reducing stigma and discrimination. Special Annual Mass Awareness campaigns named Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaigns (SLAC) were launched on 30th January, 2017 i.e., Anti Leprosy Day, to reduce stigma and discrimination against persons suffering from leprosy. Leprosy services are integrated with the general health care system through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs at Sub-Centres, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), District Hospitals and tertiary care institutions. Regular training and capacity-building programmes are conducted for Medical Officers, ASHAs, ANMs and other frontline health workers for early identification, referral and treatment of leprosy. Intensified active case detection through Leprosy Case Detection Campaigns (LCDC) and Focused Leprosy Campaigns (FLC) are undertaken in high-risk and vulnerable areas to ensure early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment. Contact tracing is carried out and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is administered to eligible contacts of index cases to interrupt transmission. Disability Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation (DPMR) services are provided as per programme guidelines, including reaction management, self-care training, provision of assistive devices, Micro-Cellular Rubber (MCR) footwear and reconstructive surgery. Details of state-wise and district-wise leprosy data can be accessed through the official DGHS website ( https://dghs.mohfw.gov.in/nlep.php ) under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP). The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today. **** SR HFW/ Update on NLEP/10 March 2026/7 (Release ID: 2237746) Visitor Counter : 1342 Read this release in: Urdu , हिन्दी Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Update on NLEP Government Intensifies Leprosy Elimination Efforts Through LCDC, FLC and Nationwide Awareness Campaigns Multi-Pronged Strategy Adopted for Early Detection, Treatment and Stigma Reduction in Leprosy Active Case Detection, Community Surveillance and Rehabilitation Services Strengthen Leprosy Control Programme Posted On: 10 MAR 2026 6:17PM by PIB Delhi The National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) is a centrally sponsored scheme under the overarching umbrella of National Health Mission (NHM). Funds are allocated to the programme activities under NHM on the basis of State/UT specific Programme Implementation Plans and States/UTs are required to utilize funds as per their need, priority and on the basis of their absorption capacity. Leprosy is a chronic disease which leads to delayed manifestation of symptoms. The persistence of reported leprosy cases is attributed to the long incubation period of the disease, which can range from 5 to 20 years. India has continued to report more than 1,00,000 new leprosy cases annually over the years and accounts for a significant proportion of the global leprosy burden. In addition, ongoing transmission in certain high-endemic pockets, improved surveillance and active case detection activities under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP), and increased awareness resulting in higher reporting contribute to sustained detection of cases. The following steps have been taken by Government to improve the Situation: Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (LCDC): House-to-House surveys in villages and urban areas in identified high burden districts Focused Leprosy Campaign (FLC): Active case search where a new case with Grade 2 Disability (G2D) is detected, this search targets 300 surrounding households in urban areas or the entire village in rural areas Special plan for active case search in hard-to-reach areas: Provision of leprosy services through community participation. ASHA-based surveillance for leprosy suspects (ABSULS) in districts not covered under LCDC to be integrated in the routine activities and continued. Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign (SLAC) is an activity under NLEP organized across the country for general awareness upto village level and reducing stigma and discrimination. Special Annual Mass Awareness campaigns named Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaigns (SLAC) were launched on 30th January, 2017 i.e., Anti Leprosy Day, to reduce stigma and discrimination against persons suffering from leprosy. Leprosy services are integrated with the general health care system through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs at Sub-Centres, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), District Hospitals and tertiary care institutions. Regular training and capacity-building programmes are conducted for Medical Officers, ASHAs, ANMs and other frontline health workers for early identification, referral and treatment of leprosy. Intensified active case detection through Leprosy Case Detection Campaigns (LCDC) and Focused Leprosy Campaigns (FLC) are undertaken in high-risk and vulnerable areas to ensure early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment. Contact tracing is carried out and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is administered to eligible contacts of index cases to interrupt transmission. Disability Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation (DPMR) services are provided as per programme guidelines, including reaction management, self-care training, provision of assistive devices, Micro-Cellular Rubber (MCR) footwear and reconstructive surgery. Details of state-wise and district-wise leprosy data can be accessed through the official DGHS website ( https://dghs.mohfw.gov.in/nlep.php ) under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP). The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today. **** SR HFW/ Update on NLEP/10 March 2026/7 (Release ID: 2237746) Government Intensifies Leprosy Elimination Efforts Through LCDC, FLC and Nationwide Awareness Campaigns Multi-Pronged Strategy Adopted for Early Detection, Treatment and Stigma Reduction in Leprosy Active Case Detection, Community Surveillance and Rehabilitation Services Strengthen Leprosy Control Programme" /> The National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) is a centrally sponsored scheme under the overarching umbrella of National Health Mission (NHM). Funds are allocated to the programme activities under NHM on the basis of State/UT specific Programme Implementation Plans and States/UTs are required to utilize funds as per their need, priority and on the basis of their absorption capacity. Leprosy is a chronic disease which leads to delayed manifestation of symptoms. The persistence of reported leprosy cases is attributed to the long incubation period of the disease, which can range from 5 to 20 years. India has continued to report more than 1,00,000 new leprosy cases annually over the years and accounts for a significant proportion of the global leprosy burden. In addition, ongoing transmission in certain high-endemic pockets, improved surveillance and active case detection activities under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP), and increased awareness resulting in higher reporting contribute to sustained detection of cases. The following steps have been taken by Government to improve the Situation: <ul style="margin-left:40px"> <li style="text-align:justify">Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (LCDC): House-to-House surveys in villages and urban areas in identified high burden districts</li> <li style="text-align:justify">Focused Leprosy Campaign (FLC): Active case search where a new case with Grade 2 Disability (G2D) is detected, this search targets 300 surrounding households in urban areas or the entire village in rural areas Special plan for active case search in hard-to-reach areas: Provision of leprosy services through community participation.</li> <li style="text-align:justify">ASHA-based surveillance for leprosy suspects (ABSULS) in districts not covered under LCDC to be integrated in the routine activities and continued.</li> <li style="text-align:justify">Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign (SLAC) is an activity under NLEP organized across the country for general awareness upto village level and reducing stigma and discrimination. Special Annual Mass Awareness campaigns named Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaigns (SLAC) were launched on 30th January, 2017 i.e., Anti Leprosy Day, to reduce stigma and discrimination against persons suffering from leprosy.</li> <li style="text-align:justify">Leprosy services are integrated with the general health care system through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs at Sub-Centres, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), District Hospitals and tertiary care institutions.</li> <li style="text-align:justify">Regular training and capacity-building programmes are conducted for Medical Officers, ASHAs, ANMs and other frontline health workers for early identification, referral and treatment of leprosy.</li> <li style="text-align:justify">Intensified active case detection through Leprosy Case Detection Campaigns (LCDC) and Focused Leprosy Campaigns (FLC) are undertaken in high-risk and vulnerable areas to ensure early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment.</li> <li style="text-align:justify">Contact tracing is carried out and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is administered to eligible contacts of index cases to interrupt transmission.</li> <li style="text-align:justify">Disability Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation (DPMR) services are provided as per programme guidelines, including reaction management, self-care training, provision of assistive devices, Micro-Cellular Rubber (MCR) footwear and reconstructive surgery.</li> </ul> Details of state-wise and district-wise leprosy data can be accessed through the official DGHS website (<a href="https://dghs.mohfw.gov.in/nlep.php" target="_blank">https://dghs.mohfw.gov.in/nlep.php</a>) under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP). The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today. **** SR HFW/ Update on NLEP/10 March 2026/7 " /> var mPlayer = document.getElementById("background_music"); var mPlayAction = document.getElementById("playbutton"); var isPlaying = false; function playAudio() { mPlayer.play(); isPlaying = true; document.getElementById('stopA').style.display = "block"; document.getElementById('playA').style.display = "none"; } function pauseAudio() { mPlayer.pause(); isPlaying = false; document.getElementById('playA').style.display = "block"; document.getElementById('stopA').style.display = "none"; } //function HandleAudio() { // if (isPlaying == true) { // //Playing already Pause it // pauseAudio(); // } else { // //Play the music // playAudio(); // } //} var synth = window.speechSynthesis; function CleanHtml(html) { html = html.replace(/ /gi, ''); return html; } function stripHtml(html) { let tmp = document.createElement("DIV"); tmp.innerHTML = CleanHtml(html); return tmp.textContent || tmp.innerText || ""; } $(document).ready(function () { //for responsive tables $("table").each(function () { if (!$(this).closest(".table-responsive").length) { $(this).wrap(" "); } }); var width = $(window).width(); if (width $(document).ready(function () { var width = $(window).width(); if (width @media print { .sticky-social, .sticky-social_mb, .pull-right, #printPDF { display: none !important; } } .f_vl { padding-right: 30px; font-size: 17px; cursor: pointer; } .log_oo { // width: 20%; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; } .log_oo img { width: 150px; /*width: 100%; height: auto;*/ } .sticky-social_mb { position: fixed; bottom: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 100%; } .social_mb { list-style: none; display: flex; width: 100%; margin-bottom: -8px; } .social_mb a { padding: 8px 0px; font-size: 30px; transition: all 0.8s ease-in-out; width: 20% !important; text-align: center; } .section1 { position: relative; padding: 10px 0px; width: 100%; } .sticky-social { position: fixed; top: 20px; left: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; } .social { list-style: none; } .social a li { padding: 8px 12px; font-size: 25px; transition: all 0.8s ease-in-out; } .social a li:hover { margin-right: -30px; box-shadow: 2px 5px 10px grey; } .social a li:hover .fa { margin-left: 20px; } .fb_b { /* background-color: rgb(59, 89, 152);*/ background-color: rgba(65,103,178,255); } .twitter_r { /* background-color: rgb(29, 161, 242);*/ background-color: #000000; } .whatsapp_r { /* background-color: rgb(77, 194, 71);*/ background-color: rgba(13,191,67,255); } .fa-envelope_r { /* background-color: rgb(219, 68, 55);*/ background-color: #e2123d; } .fa-linkedin_r { background-color: rgb(0, 119, 181); } @media only screen and (max-device-width: 767px) { p span img { max-width: 90% !important; height: auto !important; } p img { max-width: 90% !important; height: auto !important; } h2 { font-size: 20px !important; font-weight: 600 !important; } h3 { font-size: 18px !important; font-weight: 600 !important; } } /* === Film Roll Badge Styling(IFFI2025 countdown) === */ .film-roll-badge { position: absolute; top:82%; right: 20px; width: 230px; height: 70px; background: repeating-linear-gradient( to right, #9a2375 0px, #9a2375 18px, #6e2b8b 18px, #6e2b8b 36px ); border-top: 8px solid #9a2375; border-bottom: 8px solid #9a2375; border-radius: 8px; overflow: hidden; box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4); animation: moveFilm 8s linear infinite; z-index: 10; } /* film sprocket holes */ .film-roll-badge::before, .film-roll-badge::after { content: ""; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 10px; background: repeating-linear-gradient( to right, #9a2375 0px, #9a2375 10px, #fff 10px, #fff 20px ); left: 0; z-index: 2; } .film-roll-badge::before { top: -4px; } .film-roll-badge::after { bottom: -4px; } .film-roll-inner { position: relative; height: 100%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; animation: flicker 2s infinite ease-in-out; } .countdown-text { font-size: 1.3rem; font-weight: 700; color: #fff; text-shadow: 0 0 6px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.4), 0 0 10px #000; white-space: nowrap; } /* === Animations === */ @keyframes moveFilm { 0% { background-position: 0 0; } 100% { background-position: 120px 0; } } @keyframes flicker { 0%, 100% { opacity: 1; } 50% { opacity: 0.9; } 25% { opacity: 0.95; } 75% { opacity: 0.85; } } /* === Responsive Adjustments === */ @media (max-width: 1500px) { .film-roll-badge { top: 68%; right: 18px; /* width: 220px; */ height: 65px; font-size: 0.85rem; } .press-section { margin-top: 35px; } } @media (max-width: 992px) { .film-roll-badge { top: 52%; right: 10px; width: 200px; height: 60px; } } @media (max-width: 768px) { .film-roll-badge { top: 56%; right: 10px; width: 124px; height: 55px; } .countdown-text { font-size: 0.9rem; } } @media (max-width: 576px) { .film-roll-badge { top: 59%; right: 5px; /* width: 160px; */ height: 50px; } .countdown-text { font-size: 0.85rem; } } const festivalStart = new Date("2025-11-20T00:00:00").getTime(); const festivalEnd = new Date("2025-11-28T23:59:59").getTime(); const countdownElement = document.getElementById("countdown"); const interval = setInterval(() => { const now = new Date().getTime(); // BEFORE FESTIVAL — show days + hours left if (now = festivalStart && now el.style.width = "350px"); clearInterval(interval); } }, 1000); //

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