Roadmap to Zero Leprosy - A Situational Analysis of the Guyana Model

Leprosy continues to negatively impact the quality of life and infringe upon the human rights of persons in more than 120 countries worldwide. The World Health Organization therefore aims to prevent, eliminate and eradicate this neglected tropical disease by 2030. The Leprosy elimination program in the Cooperative republic of was observed and analyzed. It was found to be a robust program originally instituted from the 1950’s. This was governed by a national policy, and characterized by contact tracing with the administration of single dose Rifampicin to all contacts of consenting index cases in the absence of contraindications. Although on the road to zero cases of Leprosy, it will not reach a non-endemic status by 2030. Phase 1 until interruption of transmission is characterized by zero new autochthonous child cases for at least five consecutive years; for the past 9 years, pediatric cases are still being diagnosed in . This places in phase 1 of the Leprosy elimination framework. Through the implementation of a national strategic plan, revision of the law to better protect human rights, enhancing stakeholder engagement and destigmatization campaigns, and addressing gaps through the advancement of research, the program would be better positioned to achieve its goals. The country’s journey can be used as a roadmap for other countries at risk of Leprosy resurgence.