Evaluation of National Leprosy Eradication Program after Integration into General Health System in Rajkot District, Gujarat from 2003 to 2014
Background: National Leprosy Eradication Program (NLEP) was launched in 1983 with the goal of elimination of leprosy as a public health problem. Aim: To evaluate the NLEP performance after integration into general health system from April 2003 to March 2014. Material and Methods: A retrospective record based study was conducted by obtaining data from Rajkot district leprosy center. Prevalence rate (PR) new case detection rate (NCDR) proportion of female cases, child cases, multibacillary (MB) cases, Grade II disability among new cases and release from treatment (RFT) cases were evaluated from April 2003 to March 2014 and analyzed by using Chi square for trend analysis test. Results: The PR of leprosy per 10,000 populations was significantly declined (P 0.001) from 0.44 in 2003 2004 to 0.15 during March 2014. Reduction in NCDR trend was statistically significant (P 0.001) The proportion of female cases among newly detected cases showed fluctuation from 36.23% in 2003 2004 to 37.10% in 2013 2014 (P 0.05) The proportion of child cases also showed significantly declining trend from 12.08% in 2003 2004 to 6.70% in 2013 2014 (P 0.05) Significant number of MB cases decreased from 122 (2003 2004) to 69 (2013 2014) (P 0.001) Grade II disability proportion was 1.45% in the year 2003 2004, increased to 5.2% in 2009 2010 and then again decreased to 3.4% in 2013 2014 (P 0.05) Proportion of patients RFT showed fluctuation from 66.66% (2003 2004) to 45.68% (2009 2010) and then 64.66% (2013 2014) (P 0.001) Conclusion: The NLEP is having a favorable impact on the problem of leprosy by maintaining the elimination level of leprosy in Rajkot district over a decade.
Indian journal of dermatology