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India's Children Face Leprosy Surge
3 Oct
Summary
- 3,832 child leprosy cases in 2025-26, exceeding targets.
- 37 children diagnosed with Grade-2 disability, indicating delayed detection.
- India leads globally in new leprosy cases, contributing 78.3% with Brazil and Indonesia.
India recorded 3,832 new leprosy cases in children during the 2025-26 period, a figure substantially higher than the National Leprosy Eradication Programme's (NLEP) target. This surge includes 37 children diagnosed with Grade-2 disability (G2D) at detection, indicating delayed diagnosis. The NLEP aims to interrupt leprosy transmission by 2027, with a goal of zero disability among new child cases.
Overall, India detected 91,783 new leprosy cases in 2025-26, the highest globally. The country's new child leprosy cases also led the world according to WHO data. Experts attribute the persistent child caseload partly to gaps in case detection and ongoing transmission within communities.
The disease, curable with multidrug therapy, requires prolonged contact for transmission. New child cases are a key indicator of recent transmission. Despite a historical decline, the recent rise, particularly with G2D cases, highlights challenges in meeting elimination targets.
