Fw: Ref.: (LML) Response regarding SDR-PEP for LML

 

Leprosy Mailing List –  August 3,  2024

 

Ref.:  (LML) Response regarding SDR-PEP for LML

From:  Wim van Brakel, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands

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Dear Pieter,

 

We are aware of the ongoing discussion about PEP in the Leprosy Mailing List and would like to respond to the messages posted by Dr Almeida on the LML of 17 July 2024 and in many previous issues. At NLR, we endorse the implementation of SDR-PEP within routine leprosy services with the aim to reduce the risk of developing leprosy among contacts of new cases. This is based on current evidence and in alignment with the global WHO Guidelines for the Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Leprosy (2018). SDR-PEP should be integrated in leprosy control programmes, which requires investment in several programme components, including training of health workers, active case detection through contact screening and community education about leprosy and PEP.

 

We have observed that where PEP is implemented as part of routine leprosy control programmes as an ongoing intervention, the incidence of leprosy is reducing, especially of child cases and cases with Grade 2 disability. Publications about this are forthcoming in peer-reviewed journals.

 

We believe that engaging in discussions through open-access, peer-reviewed medical journals is effective to build a robust evidence base and we second Prof Epco Hasker's proposal that the ongoing discussion about PEP be continued in such journals. This will allow a thorough evaluation of new data and claims about these by a broader community of medical professionals and scientists. NLR is committed to supporting the publication of more scientific evidence as it becomes available to further inform and enhance our collective understanding and approach to leprosy prevention and treatment.

 

More information on prevention of leprosy and on how to implement SDR-PEP can be found at: https://www.leprosy-information.org/key-topics/prevention-leprosy. For questions about PEP, please contact Dr Liesbeth Mieras (L.Mieras@nlrinternational.org) or the undersigned.

 

Reference:

https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/274127/9789290226383-eng.pdf

 

 

Wim van Brakel

Medical Director NLR

On behalf of the NLR technical team

W.vanBrakel@nlrinternational.org

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LML - S Deepak, B Naafs, S Noto and P Schreuder

LML blog link: http://leprosymailinglist.blogspot.it/

Contact: Dr Pieter Schreuder << editorlml@gmail.com

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