Programme_INDIA

The outcome will be achieved through specific outputs and activities focused on reinforcing functioning referral system in the districts to improve patient management, medical and social rehabilitation of PAL to improve livelihood and Treatment initiation of all confirmed DRTB cases through early retrieval of loss to follow up cases not initiated on treatment and improve treatment success rate through early identification and retrieval of loss to follow up cases those have stopped treatment. In 2019, 56% of the new leprosy case detected globally and 26% of the G2D among new leprosy cases were contributed by India In 2020, Globally, 26% of the TB cases and 10% of the MDRTB cases were contributed by India. In India, Bihar is one of the most populous States (128 million) with nearly 90% of the population living in rural areas with a literacy rate of 70.4% and ranks lowest in the Human Development Index of the country. India declared elimination of leprosy at the National level in 2005 but it was declared in Bihar in 2013. Each year Bihar State alone is contributing around 18,000 new leprosy cases i.e., 16% of the total cases in the country. Total TB case notification in Bihar is 78 per 100000 population, i.e, around 52% of the estimated (estimated is 149/100000) in 2020 which is the lowest in the country. The aim of the project application in the next phase is to address important challenges (1) To improve accessibility of quality care to persons affected by leprosy and DRTB through reinforcing functioning referral system in Bihar state and that will ensure access to undeserved / vulnerable population, leaving none behind. This can be achieved by building the capacity of health personnel at each level and by community involvement to enhance early diagnosis at PLRC and ensure specialists and PT at the district hospital for managing leprosy cases and its complications. This will enable patients to get the early diagnosis and treatment (2) Improve the livelihood of PAL through SER and availing social benefits from the Government by getting them disability certificates and engage them in IGA through financial support. (3) Improve treatment initiation of confirmed DRTB patients by tracking, counselling, and facilitating treatment initiation at DRTB treatment centres (4) Improve treatment adherence and treatment success rate among DRTB patients through counselling, monitoring and managing ADR, provision of nutritional supplements and SER.