Leprosy Mailing List – February 3, 2026
Ref.: (LML) Infolep monthly overview of new publications on leprosy. January, 2026.
From: Elizabeth Talatu Williams, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
_________________________________________________________
Dear colleagues,
We are pleased to share with you the January 2026 edition of the Infolep Newsletter, released at a significant moment for the global leprosy community as we mark World Leprosy Day 2026 and continue to strengthen collaboration across research, care, and inclusion.
This month's edition brings together a comprehensive selection of research and case-based evidence addressing key priorities in leprosy today. Featured articles explore the relationship between social participation and stigma, leprosy in post-conflict and underserved settings, genetic factors associated with disease protection, and innovative approaches to strengthening competencies among primary health workers. A series of case reports further highlights the ongoing challenges of delayed diagnosis, treatment interruptions, co-infections, and leprosy management during pregnancy.
We also highlight the Annual NNN Disease Management, Disability and Inclusion (DMDI) Meeting 2026 and the launch of the Essential Care Package (ECP), taking place from 2–4 February 2026 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. However, online participation is available for the ECP launch on the 4th of February, 2026. In addition, our news section places strong emphasis on World Leprosy Day 2026, with global appeals, policy perspectives, and stories addressing stigma, access to treatment, and inclusion.
We hope this January edition provides valuable insights, supports your work, and reinforces our shared commitment to ending leprosy and the stigma associated with it.
Please feel free to contact us if you would like access to full-text articles not available through Infolep, or if you would like support with literature searches.
Warm regards,
Elizabeth Talatu Williams
www.leprosy-information.org
info@infolep.org
Featured Research Spotlight
Relationship between social participation and stigma in people affected by leprosy: A cross-sectional study in northeastern Brazil.
Lima M, de Arruda G, Alves M, et al. Belitung nursing journal. 2026; 12 (1) : 49-57.
From rash to diagnosis: first insights on the impact of formal and informal learning on competency strengthening in primary health workers in Tanzanian skin camps
Nelly Mwageni, Anne Schoenmakers, Peter Nugus, et al. Community Skin Health Journal. International Foundation for Dermatology. 2025; 21 (2): 1-4.
Assessment of leprosy in post-insurgency Northeastern Nigeria: a retrospective study
Tyndall JA, John S, Abdulkarim S, et al. Leprosy Review. Lepra. 2026; 97 (1): 1-15.
CCDC122-LACC1 gene polymorphism is associated with protection against leprosy in a population from Northeastern Brazil: a case-control study
Freitas HDA, Nogueira KRC, Costa ARRS, et al. BMC Infectious Diseases. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2025; 25 (1): 1-11.
How sustainable are self-help interventions in the post-funding period? Qualitative findings from integrated leprosy communities in Nigeria
Ilozumba O, Tsaku P, Choudhury S, et al. International Health. Oxford University Press (OUP). 2025.
Family quality of life and associated factors among people with leprosy or podoconiosis/lymphatic filariasis with visible disabilities and their family members in Ethiopia: a baseline study for a randomized controlled trial.
Aycheh M, Noordende A, Moges N, et al. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2025.
Other New Publications
Feel free to contact us to receive full-text versions if these cannot be found through the Infolep portal.
Determinants of Delayed Leprosy Diagnosis in an Endemic Area of Northeast Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study
Pina WLDSM, Melo LFDA, Rocha HND, et al. Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical. FapUNIFESP (SciELO). 2025.
Improving Self-Efficacy in Self-Care Practices for Ex-Leprosy Patients to Anticipate Increased Disability
Bakhtiar R, Duma K, Rahayu HK, et al. Jurnal Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (Indonesian Journal of Community Engagement). Universitas Gadjah Mada. 2025; 11 (4): 268-273
Continuous-time Markov model with application to leprosy transmission dynamics
Kinafa AU, Dike JI, Danjuma J. Journal of Statistical Sciences and Computational Intelligence. Journal of Statistical Sciences and Computational Intelligence. 2025; 1 (4) : 472-484.
A scoping review of leprosy treatments in the United States, 1996-2025
Koh E, Kernizan F, Eaton W, et al. JAAD Reviews. Elsevier BV. 2026
The Role of Environmental Factors in Supporting the Spread of Leprosy in Dr Soetomo Hospital
Dyfe Alisya Putri, Yuri Widia, Medhi Denisa Alinda, et al. International Journal of Health Science & Medical Research. Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia. 2026; 5 (1): 1-16.
Bridging pleiotropic mechanisms in leprosy type-1 reactions and neurodegenerative diseases.
Fava V, Perico J, Orlova M, et al. Scientific reports. 2025; 15 (1): 1-10.
Reactivations, paradoxical reactions, and immune reconstitution in human immunodeficiency virus-associated leprosy: A scoping review of global case patterns, immunopathogenesis, and therapeutic gaps
Anil A, Vellaisamy SG, Manickam N, et al. Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). 2025; 46 (2): 112-118.
Development and Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess Social Perspectives Among Leprosy-Affected Individuals in a Rehabilitation Colony in Pune, Maharashtra, India
Komrraju S, Sathyanath D, Kumar N, et al. Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). 2025.
Leprosy Knowledge, Attitude, and Health Seeking Behavior in the General Population of Deoghar, Jharkhand
Sree Sudha TY, K Kumari, Veena TR, et al. Indian Journal of Leprosy. All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Jharkhand. 2025;
Effectiveness of Slit Skin Smear Versus Fite-Faraco Staining on Histopathology as a Method of Diagnosis in Leprosy - a Retrospective Hospital-Based Study.
Anandani G, Bhise M, Goswami P, et al. Maedica. 2025; 20 (4): 787-794.
Autoantibodies and vitamin D in leprosy patients in the Brazilian Amazon.
da Silva G, Aarão T, Modesto L, et al. BMC infectious diseases. 2026.
Exploring leprosy perceptions in South Sulawesi, Indonesia: A mixed-methods study on knowledge, attitudes, practices, and stigma.
Limato R, Sutrisni I, Sagara R, et al. PLOS global public health. 2025; 5 (12): 1-21.
Advancing leprosy risk prediction through identification of a whole blood host transcriptomic biomarker signature including non-coding genes.
Almeida M, Gherardi E, van Veen S, et al. Scientific reports. 2025.
Demographic Distribution of Leprosy Cases in South Sumatra Province: An Analysis of Health Profile Data, 2019–2023
Ihsan SW, Fauziah S, Inayah SZ, et al. Journal of Epidemiology and Health Science. Indonesian Public Health Association. 2025; 2 (3): 82-91.
Analysing the progression of neuropathy in leprosy using nerve conduction studies: a prospective cohort of 72 patients
Singh T, Chopra A, Agrawal R. Leprosy Review. Lepra. 2025; 96 (4): 1-13.
Tracing leprosy trends in Pakistan: a two-decade analysis of geographic and demographic shifts (2001–2023)
Fastenau A, Van Heesewijk NS, Willis M, et al. BMC Global and Public Health. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2025; 3 (1): 1-9.
Effect of Single Perineural Injection of Platelet Rich Plasma on Nerve Function in Hansen's Disease With Truncal Neuropathy: An Interventional Study
Saha A, Kothari SY, Sonune S, et al. Cureus. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2026; 18 (1): 1-10.
Leprosy in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Maternal Characteristics, Complications, and Neonatal Outcomes
Gunawan H, Hidayah R, Ruchiatan K, et al. International Journal of Women's Health. Informa UK Limited. 2026.
Analysis of Trends and Management of Leprosy in Padang City
Rosmi, Salma, Novianti V, et al. Journal of Epidemiology and Health Science. Indonesian Public Health Association. 2025; 2 (3): 15-18.
Case Reports
Lepromatous leprosy Hansen's mimicking histoid Hansen's: a case report
K. Sowmya, B. Rekha Ran, K. V. T. Gopal, et al. International Journal of Research in Dermatology. Department of Dermatology, Maharajah's Institute of Medical Sciences, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India. 2025; 12 (1): 89 - 92.
Neuraxial labor analgesia in a pregnant patient with leprosy: a case report.
Kruthof J, Samiee M, Collins J. International journal of obstetric anesthesia. 2026.
Unveiling Lepromatous Leprosy in a Non-endemic Region: A Case of Delayed Diagnosis and Effective ROM (Rifampin, Ofloxacin, and Minocycline) Therapy
McCarter M, Hassevoort K, Lane J, et al. Cureus. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2026.
Late Detection with Claw Hand Deformity in a Leprosy Person: A Case Report
Benedict S, Harun Z. Sumatera Medical Journal. Universitas Sumatera Utara. 2026; 9 (1): 49-52.
Type 1 leprosy reaction in a patient coinfected with HTLV-1 and Mycobacterium leprae
Faria LGAP, Moura MN, da Cruz ALB, et al. Clinical Microbiology Newsletter. Elsevier BV. 2026.
Treatment neglect in multibacillary leprosy leading to osteomyelitis and transtibial amputation: Lessons from endemic setting.
Gunawan H, Ruchiatan K, Avriyanti E, et al. International journal of infectious diseases: IJID: official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases. 2025.
Latest News
World Leprosy Day 2026 commemorated [WHO]
World Leprosy Day 2026: Time to put an end to stigma as disease remains curable [The Daily Star]
From prevention to treatment: strengthening leprosy control in sub-Saharan Africa [Global Health EDCTP3]
Left in neglect, leprosy center turns haven for anti-social activities [Times of India]
Call for Participation in the Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative (SLI) Young Scholar Program [Sasakawa Health Foundation]
Early detection a game-changer in the fight against leprosy in Madagascar [WHO Madagascar]
Experts push for meaningful inclusion of youths with disabilities and youths affected by leprosy in rural development [Dhaka Tribune]
World Leprosy Day: What Infection Prevention Professionals Need to Know Beyond the Stigma [Infection Control Today]
WHO urges increased access to leprosy treatment to accelerate global elimination [The Guardian]
Message for World Leprosy Day 2026 [WHO]
1,282 new leprosy cases in 2025 [Ceylon Today]
Call for Proposals for FY2026 Hansen's Disease Program Grant [Sasakawa Health Foundation]
William Levis, Who Battled the Stigma of Leprosy, Dies at 85 [The Wall Street Journal]
Global Appeal 2026 to End Stigma and Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy [Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative]
India has been 'leprosy-free' for two decades. So why are children still being diagnosed with it [The Indian Express]
World Leprosy Day: Is leprosy contagious? Dermatologist breaks down the medical facts [India TV]
Stigma, Not Medicine, Nigeria's Biggest Barrier to Ending Leprosy — LTR [Nigeria Info]
Leprosy patients groan as drug shortage persists for two years [Punch Health Wise]
Kenya's silent struggle: Leprosy cases still emerging decades after 'elimination' [The Eastleigh Voice]
Govt Urged To Fund Leprosy Control Programme [Leadership]
Upcoming Events
Annual NNN Disease Management, Disability and Inclusion (DMDI) Meeting 2026 and Essential Care Package (ECP) Launch
Date and Location: Liverpool, United Kingdom (In-Person); Zoom (Online)
We are pleased to invite you to a three-day meeting hosted at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine from 2–4 February 2026, held around World NTD Day, bringing together global, regional, and national stakeholders working at the intersection of Neglected Tropical Diseases, mental health, and person-centred care.
ILEP webinar: Leveraging AI in the Fight Against Leprosy
Date and Location: 11 February, 2026, 14:00-16:00 CET Online
The first session of the two-part webinar series exploring how AI can support leprosy and skin NTD programs will take place on 11 February, 2026, 14:00-16:00 CET. The session will introduce AI concepts in an accessible, non-technical way and highlight real-world applications, from digital diagnosis tools to data systems that improve surveillance, mapping, and patient care in low-resource settings.
Registration Deadline: 9 February, 2026
2nd International Conference on Tropical Dermatology 11th to 14th March, 2026
Date and Location: 11th- 14th March, 2026, Colombo, Srilanka
The second International Conference on Tropical Dermatology (ICTD), which will be held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo. This esteemed event is co-organized by the Sri Lanka College of Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine (SLCDA) in collaboration with the Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft / German Dermatological Society (DDG).
10th Edition of World Congress on Infectious Diseases
Date and Location: 25th–27th June, 2026, Barcelona, Spain (hybrid format — in-person and virtual)
The 10th Edition of the World Congress on Infectious Diseases (Infection 2026) is a major hybrid global conference bringing together infectious disease specialists, clinicians, epidemiologists, and public health experts to discuss new frontiers in infectious diseases, including sessions relevant to diseases like leprosy within broader infectious-disease research, diagnosis, treatment, and control strategies.
Abstract Submission Deadline: 28 January, 2026
Links
Info Hansen - An innovative hub for knowledge sharing about Hansen's Disease
ALLF - Official website of the Association des Léprologues de Langue Française
LML - Leprosy Mailing List - a free moderated email list that allows all persons interested in leprosy to share ideas, information, experiences and questions
InfoNTD - Information on cross-cutting issues in Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)
WHO Goodwill Ambassador's Leprosy Bulletin
Leprosy Review Repository (1928-2001)
Fontilles Revista de Leprología
HARP - Hansen's Disease Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles
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