Novartis Foundation showcases progress in leprosy elimination programs at 19th International Leprosy Congress
Emerging evidence from first 18 months of LPEP program demonstrates operational feasibility integrating single-dose rifampicin into routine control programs in 6 countries. Retrospective tracing of former leprosy patients in Cambodia initiates phase 2 to accelerate diagnosis - Accuracy of first mobile phone-facilitated leprosy detection system to help identify patients in remote areas of the Philippines leads to recommendation for field use - Criteria for development of a molecular diagnostic test for leprosy determined The digital press release with multimedia content can be accessed here: Basel, September 15, 2016 - The Novartis Foundation and its partners will highlight progress in efforts toward accelerating the elimination of leprosy at the 19th International Leprosy Congress (ILC) held in Beijing, China from September 18 - 21, 2016. Updates in 11 abstracts on four Novartis Foundation-supported leprosy initiatives in lowand middle-income countries will be showcased in scientific sessions. Abstracts presented at the ILC demonstrate progress on the key programs under the Novartis Foundation strategy toward zero transmission of leprosy. The strategy was launched in 2014 to prioritize early detection and treatment, tracing and preventative treatment, strengthening of surveillance systems to become action-oriented and developing tools for faster and earlier diagnosis. "The ILC is a great opportunity to present results of our leprosy strategy gaining momentum, share learnings, and highlight the research we support on diagnostic development and epidemiological modelling, which can contribute to the design of future strategies to finally make leprosy history.
