Novartis announces strategy to help eliminate leprosy

The Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development (NFSD) has launched a new strategy to help eliminate leprosy.

The new strategy will focus on interrupting leprosy transmission through early diagnosis and treatment, contact tracing of former patients, diagnostic tools and strict surveillance and response.

"As part of our pledge to fight neglected diseases in the developing world, Novartis and the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development are committed to going the last mile to help make leprosy history. This devastating disease is curable and I am proud that our donation of multidrug therapy (MDT) has helped treat over 5 million patients since 2000."

Joseph Jimenez, CEO of Novartis.

According to the World Health Organisation, more than 15 million patients have been cured of leprosy since 1981 and the availability of MDT.

Moving forward, the Novartis Foundation plans to take steps to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of this strategy in several sites in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

"Zero transmission of leprosy is achievable, but we need to be better equipped and use innovative approaches if we are to find and treat the last patients. In collaboration with our partners, we want to play a key role in curbing the incidence of leprosy."

Ann Aerts, Head of the Novartis Foundation.