Health Minster Dr. A.K. Walia has said that it is a matter of satisfaction that the prevalence of leprosy in Delhi is on decline. In 2001, the prevalence of leprosy in Delhi was 4.5 cases per 10000 populations. It has now come down to 0.8 cases per 10000 populations.
He added that as per WHO guidelines, when the number of leprosy patients comes down below one case per 10000 populations, the disease is said to have been eliminated as a public health problem. He said that it is a matter of satisfaction that Delhi has been able to achieve that level and it can be said that leprosy has been eliminated from the capital city as a public health problem.
Dr. Walia said that the elimination of leprosy as a public health problem should not be a cause of complacency. All those belonging to medical professions and the public in general should unite to ensure complete eradication of leprosy. He said that citizens should be educated and made aware to the fact that leprosy is least infectious.
The Health Minister informed that multi-drug therapy is being effectively used in Delhi. It is very effective against mycobacterium leprae, the causative organism for leprosy. MDT services are available in 340 hospitals/dispensaries under Delhi Government, all Municipal bodies and Central Government hospitals.
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