WHO Guidelines for the Treatment of Leprosy

Global Strategies for Leprosy Eradication and Prevention

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed guidelines aimed at improving treatment, eradicating transmission, and preventing long-term disabilities associated with the disease.

Understanding Leprosy

Leprosy manifests as hypopigmented or reddish skin lesions, with sensory loss in affected areas. It is classified into two primary types based on the immune response:

Paucibacillary (PB) Leprosy – Limited number of lesions; less severe.
Multibacillary (MB) Leprosy – Extensive lesions; higher bacterial load.

WHO-Recommended Treatment Protocol

WHO recommends a multidrug therapy (MDT) approach to eliminate Mycobacterium leprae and prevent resistance.

Paucibacillary Leprosy: Combination of rifampicin and dapsone for six months.
Multibacillary Leprosy: Combination of rifampicin, dapsone, and clofazimine for twelve months.

Preventive Measures and Eradication Strategies

Leprosy can be controlled through timely diagnosis, treatment, and public health initiatives:

Early Case Detection: Screening in endemic regions.
Vaccination: Trials involving BCG vaccine as a protective measure.
Public Awareness: Educational programs to reduce stigma.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite MDT's success, challenges such as drug resistance, stigma, and lack of healthcare access persist. WHO continues to work on improving treatment protocols and accessibility.