UNITAR Online Catalogue
Leprosy: training of health workers on skin-NTDs
The Defeat NCD Partnership
Background
Leprosy is one of the oldest diseases known to mankind. Despite considerable progress since the introduction of multidrug therapy (MDT) in 1982, new cases of leprosy continue to be detected. Around 200,000 new cases are reported annually by more than 100 countries. The disease affects primarily the skin and peripheral nerves. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment ensures complete cure and prevention of disabilities.
Event Objectives
- Describe the epidemiology of leprosy;
- Identify suspected cases and provide referral;
- Describe the cardinal signs for diagnosing leprosy and identify and manage lepra reactions;
- Treat using appropriate treatment regimens;
- Explain public health interventions to reduce the magnitude of the disease, including post-exposure prophylaxis
- Manage disabilities related to hands, feet, and eyes, including through self-care;
Content and Structure
Leprosy is one among the three diseases, targeted for interruption of transmission in the WHO NTD roadmap 2021-2030. The Global Leprosy Strategy 2021-2030, a constituent of the NTD roadmap, calls for accelerating action to reach the goal of zero leprosy. The new Leprosy Elimination Framework provides a clear pathway for national programmes through three phases, i.e., interruption of transmission, elimination of leprosy disease and post-elimination surveillance.
This course addresses the epidemiological, clinical, and public health aspects relevant to the disease.
Photo credit: Stephanie Roberts - The Leprosy Mission International
Leprosy can be diagnosed and treated effectively at the peripheral healthcare level. The aim of the course is to increase the knowledge and skills of front-line healthcare workers to be able to provide the essential services to persons affected by the disease.
The course aims to provide information about leprosy to increase the knowledge and skills of front-line health workers in national programmes to manage this disease and its complications.
Methodology
Approximate course duration: 2 hours.
Languages: This course is available in the following languages: English
Content Warning: This course may contain images, videos, and multimedia materials related to healthcare that may include graphic depictions of medical conditions, surgical procedures, and other clinical content. These materials are intended for educational purposes to enhance understanding of real-world medical scenarios and are essential for the comprehensive learning experience.
Assessment & Awards
You will receive a Confirmation of Participation upon completing all the modules in this course. Please note that this award does not serve as a professional qualification.
Targeted Audience
Front-line health workers in national programmes
Additional Information
Guidance note
The content of this course has been validated, verified, and is owned by the Neglected Tropical Diseases team unit. This course is not a WHO Academy co-produced course. In case of any concerns or feedback on the course content, please share your feedback in the survey form at the end of this course.
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Produced by Neglected Tropical Diseases team.