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TropicalMed
Special Issues
Towards Zero Leprosy: Epidemiology and Prevention Strategy
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Towards Zero Leprosy: Epidemiology and Prevention Strategy

A special issue of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease (ISSN 2414-6366).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 1877

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Christa Kasang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
Interests: leprosy; post exposure prophylaxis SDR; NTDs; tuberculosis
Dr. Nimer Ortuño-Gutiérrez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Damien Foundation, 1081 Brussels, Belgium
Interests: geospatial analysis; prevention of leprosy and tuberculosis; drug-resistant tuberculosis and leprosy; cutaneous leishmaniasis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Leprosy, one of the world's oldest and most stigmatized diseases, continues to persist in pockets of endemicity, particularly in countries with limited resources and infrastructure. Despite significant advances in the development of treatment and control measures, the burden of leprosy remains a significant public health concern, demanding renewed efforts and innovative strategies. In accord with the World Health Organization's (WHO) Zero Leprosy Strategy for 2021–2030, which provides a roadmap for achieving elimination and reducing the burden of the disease worldwide, this Special Issue of our journal aims to spotlight the multifaceted challenges associated with leprosy control, particularly in regions with high endemicity. By focusing on key areas such as epidemiology, prevention, and stigma reduction, this Special Issue seeks to advance our understanding of leprosy as a public health problem and facilitate the implementation of targeted interventions. The scope of this Special Issue encompasses a broad range of topics related to leprosy control and elimination efforts. From epidemiological studies mapping the distribution of the disease to evaluations of post-exposure prophylaxis using single-dose rifampicin, the Special Issue explores innovative approaches and best practices in leprosy prevention and treatment. Additionally, it delves into the social determinants of leprosy, including stigma and discrimination, highlighting the importance of addressing these factors in comprehensive control strategies.

In summary, this Special Issue offers you the unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of leprosy control strategies, with a focus on research concerning current trends and priorities in the field. We invite authors to submit their original contributions to enrich the discourse and propel progress towards a world free from the burden of leprosy.

Dr. Christa Kasang
Dr. Nimer Ortuño-Gutiérrez
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • leprosy
  • neglected tropical diseases
  • skin NTDs
  • disease mapping
  • post exposure prophylaxis single dose rifampicin
  • chemoprophylaxis
  • stigma and discrimination
  • zero leprosy
  • multisectoral interventions
  • infectious diseases
  • epidemiology

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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12 pages, 646 KiB  
Article
The Safety, Acceptability, and Feasibility of Single-Dose Rifampicin as Post-Exposure Chemoprophylaxis for Contacts of Leprosy Patients in Togo: A Mixed-Method Sequential Explanatory Study
by Akila Wimima Bakoubayi, Falapalaki Haliba, Wendpouiré Ida C. Zida-Compaore, P’tanam P’kontème Bando, Yao Rodion Konu, Abissouwèssim Egbare Tchade, Kodjo Akpadja, Kamevor Alaglo, Maweke Tchalim, P’niwè Patchali, Yaovi Djakpa, Komi Amekuse, Piham Gnossike, Denis A. Yawovi Gadah, Christa Kasang and Didier Koumavi Ekouevi
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(11), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9110276 - 14 Nov 2024
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Abstract
The World Health Organization is encouraging countries to include contact screening and single-dose rifampicin administration as preventive chemotherapy for contacts of leprosy patients in their leprosy control activities. However, no study has been conducted to assess the safety of SDR-PEP and the acceptability [...] Read more.
The World Health Organization is encouraging countries to include contact screening and single-dose rifampicin administration as preventive chemotherapy for contacts of leprosy patients in their leprosy control activities. However, no study has been conducted to assess the safety of SDR-PEP and the acceptability and feasibility of this intervention in Togo. To assess the safety of SDR-PEP, we used a cohort design, and for acceptability and feasibility, we used a mixed method, combining a quantitative study to assess the safety of SDR-PEP in a cohort of contacts from recently diagnosed leprosy patients followed by a qualitative study to identify the social, cultural, or institutional factors that would influence the adoption of single-dose rifampicin as post-exposure prophylaxis for contacts of leprosy patients in Togo. For the quantitative study, all identified index patients agreed to the disclosure of their status to their contacts and provided a list of their contacts. All the contacts found agreed to take part in the study, and an appointment was made for screening. However, some contacts were absent on the screening day for no reason. All eligible contacts agreed to take SDR and were followed up after taking the drug. No severe adverse events were reported during the follow-up. For the qualitative study, 72 interviews (66 semi-structured interviews and 6 focus groups) were carried out, and it emerged that, overall, opinions were favorable on the acceptability and feasibility of implementing single-dose rifampicin as post-exposure prophylaxis for contacts of leprosy patients in Togo. However, a number of conditions need to be considered for more effective results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Zero Leprosy: Epidemiology and Prevention Strategy)
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5 pages, 207 KiB  
Opinion
Integrating Community Engagement in Zero Leprosy Efforts: A Pathway to Sustainable Early Detection, Control and Elimination
by Anil Fastenau, Matthew Willis, Constanze Vettel, Sophie C. W. Stuetzle, Srilekha Penna, Priyanka Chahal, Fabian Schlumberger, Mowmita Basak Mow, Ngozi Ekeke, Joseph Ngozi Chukwu and Patricia D. Deps
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(12), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9120296 - 3 Dec 2024
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Abstract
Community engagement has emerged as a critical component in the effective control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), particularly in regions with persistent stigma and limited healthcare access. Drawing on case studies from Brazil, India, and Nigeria, this opinion piece explores how [...] Read more.
Community engagement has emerged as a critical component in the effective control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), particularly in regions with persistent stigma and limited healthcare access. Drawing on case studies from Brazil, India, and Nigeria, this opinion piece explores how community-driven initiatives have successfully improved leprosy awareness, reduced stigma, and fostered early case detection and treatment adherence. The importance of culturally sensitive, inclusive approaches in health education and stigma reduction campaigns is highlighted, emphasizing the potential for community engagement to enhance national leprosy programs and contribute to the World Health Organization’s Zero Leprosy Strategy. By examining these examples, this article illustrates how integrating community participation into leprosy control and elimination programs can drive sustainable outcomes for achieving Zero Leprosy, even in resource-limited settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Zero Leprosy: Epidemiology and Prevention Strategy)
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