LPEP Pilot Project

Major Objective of LPEP pilot project was to decrease the risk that direct contacts of persons affected develop leprosy themselves. A proven game-changer in the fight against leprosy transmission is a widely available antibiotic: a single dose of rifampicin (SDR-PEP). Preventative treatment for leprosy. SDR-PEP is given to direct contacts of newly diagnosed leprosy patients to decrease their risk of developing the disease. In 2015, we implemented the programme in Nepal in close collaboration Ministries of Health, other ILEP (International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations) members, under the coordination of and supported by Novartis Foundation.