Beyond Elimination: India's Next Milestone In The Fight Against Leprosy - Gaurab Sen, S-ILF

India’s fight against Leprosy is one of the country’s greatest public health victories. Thanks to sustained leadership by the Government of India, with the support of state governments, healthcare professionals and frontline health workers, millions of people have received timely diagnosis and free multidrug therapy over the past decades. These combined efforts led to India eliminating Leprosy as a public health problem at the national level in 2005, showcasing the robustness of the country’s healthcare system and its commitment to inclusive development.

With this success, the Government continues to strengthen early case detection, disability prevention, surveillance, free treatment and awareness through the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP). Much has been done to reduce the burden of the disease. But the journey doesn’t end with medical care.

The biggest challenge for many people affected by Leprosy starts after treatment. The disease is curable, but stigma and misconceptions still often limit access to education, employment and community life. Children and young people from families living in Leprosy colonies often carry the burden of social exclusion, even if they have never had the disease.

With India moving towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, the next phase of Leprosy response of the country needs to focus on inclusion as well as elimination. Success should not only be measured by declining disease prevalence but also by the ability of persons affected by Leprosy to study, work and participate in society without discrimination.

Achieving this vision requires collaboration. Government provides policy direction and healthcare infrastructure. Civil society organisations strengthen community engagement. Educational institutions create opportunities for learning and skills. Corporate India contributes innovation, technology, employment and investment. Together, these partnerships can transform medical success into lasting social and economic inclusion.

Since 2006, Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation (S-ILF) has worked alongside governments and communities to advance this shared vision. Operating across 27 States and Union Territories, S-ILF complements government efforts through integrated Programs in livelihoods, education, children's development, humanitarian assistance and awareness generation, enabling persons affected by Leprosy and their families to rebuild their lives with dignity and confidence.

Economic inclusion is one of the strongest drivers of social acceptance. Sustainable livelihoods restore confidence, strengthen families and challenge stereotypes by demonstrating the capabilities of persons affected by Leprosy. Over the years, S-ILF has provided livelihood support to more than 4,570 persons affected by Leprosy, helping them establish enterprises, pursue self-employment and build sustainable incomes.

Education is equally critical in breaking the cycle of exclusion. More than 1,150 youth from Leprosy colonies have received skill training scholarships, while over 670 young people have benefited from higher education scholarships, creating pathways to professional careers. In addition, more than 1,700 children are supported through After School Learning Centres (ASLCs), sports, cultural activities and other extracurricular Programs that nurture confidence, leadership and aspirations.

Humanitarian assistance remains an important pillar of inclusion, particularly for vulnerable families facing economic hardship. Through food support, hygiene assistance, ulcer care, assistive devices and other essential interventions, S-ILF has reached more than 22,000 people, complementing government welfare Programs and helping communities regain stability.

Changing public perception is equally important. Medical treatment alone cannot eliminate stigma. Sustained awareness and sensitisation are essential to replacing fear with understanding and discrimination with acceptance. Through partnerships with government agencies, educational institutions, corporate organisations, media platforms and community leaders, S-ILF's awareness initiatives have reached more than 3 million people, reinforcing the message that Leprosy is curable and that every person affected deserves equal rights, opportunities and respect.

India’s CSR ecosystem has already shown how strategic partnerships can change the face of education, healthcare, skilling and rural development. Another way to have a lasting impact is to Support the social and economic inclusion of persons affected by Leprosy. These efforts can be further supported through collaboration between industry and educational institutions. Investments in livelihoods, education, assistive technology, entrepreneurship, digital inclusion and awareness build strong communities, improve workforce participation and directly contribute to India’s inclusive growth agenda.

India has demonstrated to the world that Leprosy can be cured through resolute public health action. The next milestone is ensuring that no one continues to be denied their rights because of a disease that is both curable and preventable. The country can build a future where recovery is not only measured by cure but also by dignity, opportunity and inclusion. This can be done by building on the strong foundation laid by the Government of India and strengthening partnerships among government, civil society, corporate India and community institutions.

This is the next chapter in India’s journey against Leprosy, one that calls for collective action to ensure that no one is left behind.