NLR Nepal is continuing the 24-month follow-up of the PEP++ study, a groundbreaking international trial being implemented in Nepal, India, Brazil, and Bangladesh. The project is testing an enhanced preventive regimen to stop the transmission of leprosy in highly endemic areas.

As of this phase, 23,961 contacts have been screened out of 23,842 medicated contacts. Through these follow-up activities, 20 new leprosy cases have been detected—highlighting both the importance of active surveillance and the value of preventive chemoprophylaxis in interrupting transmission.

The activities have so far reached 25 municipalities across 42 targeted areas in Dhanusha, Mahottari, and Sarlahi districts of Madhesh Province. Local governments, health workers, and community volunteers have been closely engaged, ensuring strong ownership and effective implementation at the grassroots level.

This follow-up is a crucial step in evaluating the long-term effectiveness of the PEP++ regimen compared to standard SDR-PEP, and it provides vital evidence for Nepal’s progress toward Zero Health Inequality from Disease, Zero Disability & Barriers, and Zero Discrimination & Exclusion.