Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening distinguished participants and representatives, respected experts, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
Over the past three decades, global efforts to reduce leprosy incidence and prevalence and the morbidity they cause have achieved remarkable success, due largely to the discovery and roll-out of multi-drug therapy (MDT).
To date, more than 17 million patients globally have been treated with MDT, and most countries have eliminated leprosy as a public health problem – a stunning achievement, but an achievement that is by no means final.
In 2020, more than 127 000 new leprosy cases were reported. Of those cases, 7% were children, and another 6% were cases of delayed diagnosis with visible deformities – or grade-2 disabilities – at the time of diagnosis.
Although case incidence in 2020 was 37% lower than in 2019, this is not because cases suddenly reduced, but because they were missed – an outcome that, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, is understandable, but no less regrettable.
Accelerated action is therefore needed to achieve full implementation of WHO’s new Global Leprosy Strategy, key to which is strengthening patient-centered approaches and improving quality of treatment – the focus of your deliberations.
For almost four decades, MDT comprising rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine has been available for treatment.
It has proven highly effective, curing 98% of patients.
And while for decades it has been considered safe, instances of adverse reactions have in recent years been reported.
Adverse drug reactions – whatever the cause – lead to increased suffering for the patient.
They risk interrupting treatment, and if left unrecognized or ignored, can cause medical and social harm, and diminish trust in leprosy treatment.
At present, there is inadequate evidence to establish a causal relationship between MDT and the adverse reactions that have been reported.
But investigations into that relationship – if any – must be diligently pursued.
Prompt notification of adverse reactions must become a norm in the reporting system.
To facilitate these objectives, WHO is developing new guidance aimed at enhancing the capacity of front-line health staff, doctors working in the periphery, and specialists at the referral level to recognize adverse reactions, to treat them promptly, and to report them in a timely and systematic way, using pharmacovigilance portals.
Over the next three days, you must contribute to that guidance, leveraging the full impact of your expertise and experience.
I urge you to give your very best, thank you for your participation, and look forward to our onward journey together, to strengthen patient-centered approaches, improve quality of treatment, and achieve zero leprosy in every community, everywhere.
Thank you.