WHO guidelines: A breakthrough for leprosy
New evidence for leprosy diagnosis, treatment and prevention has been endorsed last weekend by the World Health Organisation (WHO). It was the first time that formal WHO Guidelines have been issued for leprosy. Most importantly, this is the first time that the WHO formally recommends a method for prevention of leprosy.
This approach, using a single antibiotic given to contacts of new patients, is called ‘post-exposure prophylaxis’ (PEP). PEP has been shown to reduce their risk of developing leprosy very significantly. With this WHO endorsement, this method is now officially available to ministries of health across the globe. It signals a new era: leprosy as a preventable disease!
Post-exposure prophylaxis
Netherlands Leprosy Relief (NLR) is proud to have been at the forefront of the development of this approach. WHO recognises the evidence produced by PEP programme of NLR and partners. We expect that that PEP will now be implemented by many more leprosy-endemic countries.
WHO Guidelines
Read here the summary of the WHO Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of leprosy.