Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases
We coordinate and support policies and strategies to enhance global access to interventions for the prevention, control, elimination and eradication of neglected tropical diseases, including some zoonotic diseases.
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Annual request for the supply of free anti-leprosy medicines

Leprosy

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the pharmaceutical company Novartis have an agreement according to which Novartis donates MDT blisters for the treatment of Leprosy in endemic countries. The medicines are delivered free of charge to countries following an official request through their Ministries of Health.

WHO is responsible for collecting applications and managing supplies.

How to apply for free anti-leprosy medicines

  • The deadline for application is from 1 July – 15 August of every year.
  • Supply year/period: 12 months from July to June (for instance, 2019 supply year covers the period from July 2018 to June 2019).
  • Based on the past statistics and available inventory levels, an estimate of need until the end of the next supply year should be produced. As WHO provides both adult and child blister packs, a breakdown by the type of case needs to be provided.
  • The Annual Request form is available in 4 languages and can be downloaded from here: [updated version in .xlsm file] 
    English |  French | Spanish |  Portuguese
  • The form needs to be fully completed and signed. Further instructions on how to correctly complete the form can be found within the application form.
  • WHO will review and confirm the requirements for medicines based on reported data. New supply or supplies will normally be shipped within the following 12 months depending on the situation. A detailed supply plan will be provided.
  • In case additional replenishment is required after the submission of the Annual Request Form, it can be requested by updating the data in the Annual Request Form and submitting to WHO at any time of the year.
  • “MDT request/supply cycle”

If you need more information on anti-leprosy medicine supply, please email: esind@who.int and leprosy@who.int.