Discussions highlighted the need to strengthen case detection and management
Organized by the Ministry of Public Health, co-financed by Fondation Raoul Follereau and the Mérieux Foundation, and in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the workshop brought together local and international representatives specializing in the fight against neglected tropical diseases, as well as representatives living with leprosy. Together, they examined persistent challenges and defined priorities for building a sustainable and effective strategy.
Discussions highlighted the need to strengthen case detection and management, particularly in sensitive environments such as schools and prisons. Improved surveillance systems, rigorous data management and contact follow-up were identified as essential levers for increasing the effectiveness of interventions.
At the same time, participants stressed the importance of reinforced prevention through targeted community awareness campaigns, while developing innovative approaches to reach isolated populations.
At the event, someone living with leprosy commented: “Leprosy is a latent disease, often undetectable before it becomes complicated. Anyone can be affected without even knowing it. By taking part in this workshop, I want to stress the importance of integrating a program to combat the stigmatization of leprosy sufferers into the NSP. It is also essential to raise public awareness of the symptoms of the disease, so that everyone can detect the warning signs. The fight against leprosy must be a shared responsibility at all levels.”
Strengthening the skills of health workers was also formulated as one of the program’s key challenges. Modern solutions, such as online training, to provide equitable access to refresher courses were explored. Particular attention was also paid to improving the management of drug stocks, in order to avoid stock outs and guarantee a continuous supply to basic health structures.
Dr. Andrianiriana Lovasoa Mbolamanana states: “As Head of the National Leprosy Control Program in Madagascar, I see several challenges to achieving elimination by 2030. Geographical constraints and limited infrastructure make it difficult to screen and monitor patients. Poverty and social stigma hinder access to care and delay treatment. The lack of financial resources and the need to strengthen epidemiological surveillance call for innovative approaches adapted to our context.”
Dr. Randrianantoandro Andriamira, from Raoul Follereau, agreed: “Among the most important points raised, I would stress the importance of screening for leprosy in order to reduce transmission, a screening that can be both effective and carried out in all health centers. In addition, it is crucial to strengthen the prevention of leprosy-related disabilities and improve the management of handicaps, particularly through prosthetics and surgery.”
All in all, a decisive step has been taken with the definition of the broad outlines of the future strategic plan. This will emphasize inclusive, cross-sectoral approaches, involving local authorities, NGOs and international partners in coherent governance. In addition, political commitment backed by sufficient resources for leprosy would be sought from the government and the Ministry of Public Health. The plan is due to be finalized by January 26, 2025, in honor of World Leprosy Day, with the ambition of launching concrete actions throughout the country as early as next year.
“My vision is to transform Madagascar from a country heavily impacted by leprosy into a regional model of innovation and health resilience. This will be achieved by massively training community agents and digitizing follow-up for effective screening and treatment. Our ambition is to create a center of excellence and research on leprosy to make Madagascar a regional reference in research and innovation. All this with the aim of reducing prevalence while developing an exportable model of participatory community health.” Adds Dr. Andrianiriana Lovasoa Mbolamanana.
The 2023 leprosy situation in Madagascar
Eliminating leprosy in Madagascar by 2030 remains an ambitious goal, but one that can be achieved through collective mobilization and enhanced coordination. The Ampefy workshop symbolizes a crucial step in this fight, providing a clear vision and concrete actions to build a future where leprosy will no longer be a threat.