ILEP’S MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS ARE WORKING
TOGETHER FOR A WORLD FREE FROM LEPROSY
• We carry forward the vision of ILEP global i.e. “A world free from Leprosy”.
• Our responsibility is greater with almost 60% of the global leprosy burden in a country that’s diverse in culture, geography, development index, culture, and response to leprosy pandemic.
• GLRA India has been coordinating the effort since April 2023.
In line with the common workplan, ILEP India supports the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) at:
National level
- ILEP India provides technical support to the NLEP. Through participation in the National Technical Resource Group. It contributes to the strengthening of NLEP services and assists the Central Leprosy Division (CLD) in planning and implementing strategic action in collaboration with key stakeholders through consultation meetings, workshops, expert advice, data analysis and developing innovative approaches.
- As a part of the capacity development initiative, ILEP India participates in developing and reviewing guidelines and standard operating procedures for different components of NLEP, and provides technical inputs in developing training curriculum, inputs to ensure quality modules and other learning material, and development of electronic training materials.
- Participation in joint monitoring missions and independent evaluations of NLEP including active case finding, disability prevention and medical rehabilitation (DPMR).
- Development of implementation models and/or standard operating procedures, e.g. for programme monitoring and supervision, supply of protective footwear, joint leprosy-LF disability care, tracking of migrant patients and engagement of leprosy volunteers and champions in NLEP.
- Coordination and cooperation towards shared objectives with other stakeholders including the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL).
State and District level
- NLEP consultants (around 13) are placed across different states to provide technical assistance to the program at state, district, and sub-district levels.
- Establishment of model intervention blocks/districts in each of the priority states and union territories.
- Technical assistance towards implementation of the different components of the NLEP through:
- facilitating the evidence base
- promoting early case detection through active case-finding and contact examination
- supporting state and district officials in implementing national guidelines on active case detection and regular surveillance
- deploying the expertise of its members in capacity building of government health care staff and NGOs.
- strengthening referral systems
- raising awareness
- promoting social inclusion through addressing all forms of stigma and discrimination
- empowering persons affected by leprosy and strengthening their capacity to participate actively in leprosy services
- promoting community-based rehabilitation for people with leprosy-related disabilities
- working towards abolishing discriminatory laws and promoting policies facilitating inclusion of persons affected by leprosy
- facilitating delivery of chemoprophylaxis of leprosy contacts.
Individual Portfolios
ILEP India members directly implement their projects and programmes, and lend support to programmes, of other NGOs support financially. They are involved in a wide range of interventions:
- Referral hospitals, which provide a broad spectrum of services including management of leprosy complications such as ulcers and reactions, and reconstructive surgery.
- Community-based and other forms of socioeconomic rehabilitation initiatives, including sustainable livelihood development such as vocational training and self-help groups.
- Direct support to NLEP in the field through case-finding and treatment.
- Medical, social, and operational research with advanced research laboratories.
- Health system strengthening through leprosy-related training and capacity building and the provision of teaching and learning materials.
- Provision of specialised footwear and micro-cellular rubber.
- Disability prevention including home-based self-care practice and self-care groups.
- Information and awareness programmes aimed at reducing anti-leprosy stigma.
- Advocacy from grassroots to national level, ensuring participation of people affected by leprosy in matters concerning them.
- Community empowerment and mobilisation towards more inclusive societies.
Most ILEP India members are involved in other activities in addition to leprosy, such as TB programmes, LF and other neglected tropical diseases, general healthcare and general disability.
Over the decades, the contribution of ILEP to leprosy control in India has been conspicuous, considerable, and consequential. Through the application of knowledge derived from ongoing research and practice, ILEP has supported and enabled the government to establish and maintain integrated leprosy services in endemic states and to build the capacity and commitment of government staff. As a result of this partnership, a reasonably well-functioning mechanism for detecting, diagnosing and treating leprosy exists. Beyond leprosy control, ILEP has taken a holistic approach to meet physical, social, economic, and psychological needs of people affected by leprosy and their family members, and a systemic approach to fostering their full inclusion in all aspects of life.