6 May 2022 · Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy

Côte d’Ivoire develops action plan to end leprosy

In April, the National Leprosy Programme of Côte d’Ivoire organized a workshop to develop a Zero Leprosy Action Plan. This plan was developed in partnership with the National Buruli Ulcer Control Programme, the Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy, and local, national, and international partners working towards a Côte d’Ivoire free of skin neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) including leprosy.

This action plan represents the combined work of all stakeholders involved in the fight against these Neglected Tropical Diseases: the Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage, NGOs, academic and scientific institutions, technical and financial partners, and people affected by leprosy.

The country’s Zero Leprosy Action Plan is aligned with the WHO NTD Roadmap 2021 – 2030 and the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Development Plan and National Health Development Plan. The plan outlines the objectives, interventions, and resources needed to propel the country toward zero leprosy.

The Côte d’Ivoire Zero Leprosy Action Plan is built around the following strategic pillars:

Creating an enabling environment for nationally driven integrated interventions to control leprosy and skin-based NTDs
Strengthening primary and secondary prevention of leprosy and neglected skin diseases
Inclusive management of disability related to leprosy and skin-borne NTDs
Fighting stigma and ensuring respect for human and gender rights

The plan prioritizes interventions that will lead to significant progress towards the goal of zero leprosy in the country. These interventions include:

Political commitment, governance and partnership with a particular emphasis on rigor and transparency in the use of mobilized resources
Planning, monitoring and evaluation and research
Active screening and early intervention in an integrated approach
Primary and secondary prevention interventions, including single-dose rifampicin post-exposure chemoprophylaxis for exposed individuals and promotion of access to water, hygiene and sanitation
Diagnosis, management of complications, access to referral centers and self-care
The development of principles and guidelines to combat stigma, discrimination and gender mainstreaming
Training and involvement of persons affected at all stages

A future without leprosy in Côte d’Ivoire is within reach. Congratulations to the National Leprosy Programme of Côte d’Ivoire for completing this important step toward ending leprosy nationwide.

Photos courtesy of Foundation Raoul Follereau