Leprosy Mailing List Blog

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Fw: Ref.: (LML) Infolep monthly overview of new publications on leprosy. September, 2026.

Leprosy Mailing List – October 13, 2026

Ref.: (LML) Infolep monthly overview of new publications on leprosy. September, 2026.

From: Elizabeth Talatu Williams, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

____________________________________________________________________________

Dear colleagues,

We are pleased to share the September 2026 edition of the Infolep newsletter, bringing together new research, epidemiological updates, case reports, news, and upcoming opportunities from across the leprosy field.

It was great to meet and connect with many of you at the 2026 NNN Conference in Kigali. We were also pleased to contribute to the Leprosy Working Group programme with a session exploring opportunities in the use of AI in leprosy and other skin-NTDs.

This month’s featured research looks at some of the social and human dimensions of leprosy, including community social action for leprosy control, stigma and discrimination among children affected by leprosy, and gendered experiences of people living with leprosy or tuberculosis.

We also highlight the WHO Global Leprosy (Hansen Disease) Update 2025, which emphasises the importance of a person-centred approach in efforts to eliminate leprosy.

Our latest publications cover a broad range of topics, from quality of life and mental well-being to leprosy diagnosis, nerve biopsy PCR, ocular complications, risk factors, treatment-related changes, and nursing care. The case reports section features challenging presentations and diagnostic pitfalls, highlighting the continued need for clinical awareness and early diagnosis.

In our news and events section, we share updates from across the global leprosy community, including progress towards zero leprosy in Bangladesh and the Pacific, efforts to address stigma, and opportunities to take part in upcoming activities and webinars.

Stay connected with Infolep for the latest research, resources, news, events, and practical information supporting the global leprosy community.

Warm regards,
Elizabeth Talatu Williams

www.leprosy-information.org
info@infolep.org

Featured Research Spotlight

Assessing a community social action intervention for effective leprosy control: process, adaptation, and outcomes
Dalvi S, Mutatkar RK. Leprosy Review. Lepra. 2026; 97 (3): 1 - 13.

Stigma and discrimination among children affected by leprosy: a systematic review of a skin-related neglected tropical disease
Daehnhardt M, Cecil C, Bhorkar S, et al. Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Oxford University Press (OUP). 2026.

Gendered experiences of people living with tuberculosis or leprosy: A global systematic review
Unterkircher SCW, Lenz J, Mwasuka G, et al. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Public Library of Science (PLoS). 2026; 20 (9): 1 – 25.

Epidemiological Record

Global leprosy (Hansen Disease) update, 2025: Strengthening a person-centered approach is integral to elimination of leprosy
World Health Organization. 2026.

Other New Publications

Feel free to contact us to receive full-text versions if these cannot be found through the Infolep portal.

Quality of life, participation restriction, self-esteem and psychological distress in leprosy and vitiligo: a cross-sectional study from Eastern India
Kesari PK, Kumar S, Sinha R, et al. Leprosy Review. Lepra. 2026; 97 (3): 1 - 13.

Leprosy disease and its reactions in the era of corona virus disease 2019
Hammad RRM, Abdel-Alaeem HL, Khalaf-Allah SM. Al-Azhar Assiut Medical Journal. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). 2026; 24 (3): 435 - 439.

Role of nerve biopsy PCR for M leprae in the diagnosis of pure neuritic leprosy – a cross sectional study
Mannu A, Neema S, Vendhan S, et al. Leprosy Review. Lepra. 2026; 97 (3): 1 – 9

Assessment of corneal sensitivity and ocular surface in Hansen's disease patients from a university hospital in Northern Brazil
Oliveira J, Sousa MMD, Arraes JFA, et al. Revista Brasileira de Oftalmologia. Revista Brasileira de Oftalmologia. 2026.

Clinical profile of uveitis in leprosy in a cohort of patients in Egypt
Zakaria N, Saleh MGA, Ashour DM, et al. International Ophthalmology. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2026.

Risk factors associated with leprosy in Bongo District, Ghana: a mixed methods study
Adabre IA, Kwabla MP, Appiah SCY, et al. Frontiers in Tropical Diseases. Frontiers Media SA. 2026.

Gaps in leprosy knowledge and hidden stigma in northwest Bangladesh: a community-based mixed-method survey among patients, contacts, communities and health workers
Chowdhury AS, Saha A, Roy JC, et al. Leprosy Review. Lepra. 2026; 97 (3): 1 - 14.

Mental well-being among adolescents and young adults affected by leprosy and physical disabilities in vocational training centres in India: a cross-sectional study
Darlong J, Govindasamy K, Rao M, et al. Leprosy Review. Lepra. 2026; 97 (3): 1 - 12.

Haematologic changes associated with multidrug therapy in leprosy
Oktariana D, Christianti FA, Argentina F, et al. Leprosy Review. Lepra. 2026; 97 (3): 1 – 9.

Practical knowledge of nursing for leprosy sanatorium residents based on their historical background
Ito M. Leprosy Review. Lepra. 2026; 97 (3): 1 - 9.

Case Reports

Leprosy Misdiagnosed as Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report
Zhang Q, Xiang G, Li H, et al. Advanced Electromagnetics. 2026; 15 (3): 1 - 2.

Patient-attributed lunar periodicity in probable ulcerated erythema nodosum leprosum: A case report and proposed psychoneuroendocrine mechanism
Hagos BT, Weldemedhn SG, Geto RG, et al. IDCases. Elsevier BV. 2026.

Lepromatous leprosy presenting as adult-onset Still's disease: a 5-year diagnostic challenge
Zhang L, Guo Q, Qiao L. Leprosy Review. Lepra. 2026; 97 (3): 1 - 8.

Isolated lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy as the initial presentation of borderline lepromatous Hansen’s disease: a diagnostic pitfall
Somvanshi AK, Bhatt S, Kharayat V, et al. Leprosy Review. Lepra. 2026; 97 (3): 1 - 6.

Co-occurrence of lichen planus pigmentosus and leprosy: a case with many lessons
Mishra N, Morgaonkar M, Deo KS, et al. Leprosy Review. Lepra. 2026; 97 (3): 1 - 6.

Cutaneous eruptions of acute leukemia mimicking leprosy: an interesting case report
Ridhi G, Rajan L, Horo Paul I. Leprosy Review. Lepra. 2026; 97 (3): 1 - 7.

Fw: Ref.: (LML) New MB HD with and without chemoprophylaxis

Leprosy Mailing List – October 13, 2026

Ref.: (LML) New MB HD with and without chemoprophylaxis

From: Ben Naafs, Munnekeburen, the Netherlands

____________________________________________________________________________

Dear Pieter,

I read Joël’s contribution(LML, 12-10-2026). Similar to the many before. With the same assumptions and "mistakes" as before. A significant error is “the so called” publication in Zenodo. Zenodo is not a peer reviewed Journal but is just a digital "store".

The shown graph is nice but tells the reader nothing. You can not just compare data from India with a state in Brazil.

Moreover, in states or regions where there is no good leprosy program, as previous remarked by Jason Barreto already 13 years ago, the case finding and description are lacking correct information. As Sunil remarked: ”My doubt is that areas that are implementing chemoprophylaxis are research areas, and they may not be limiting themselves to implementing leprosy control through voluntary presentation but are doing something more (for example, going to communities, checking contacts and may be other things). We need to look at the research protocols or even field reports, because leprosy officers on the ground may be doing more than what is written in research protocols. Thus, with more case finding activities, number of new cases may also increase, including those with disabilities”.

Thus, be careful with what you compare. This was the quintessence of the remarks by Benedict Quao of ILEP Technical Commission and the problem in many of the contributions of Joël Almeda. However, we are sure that he really is concerned and so are we. There are many open questions regarding the application of PEP.

With regards

Ben

____________________________________________________________________________

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

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

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

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Monday, October 12, 2026

Fw: Ref.: (LML) Molokai’I, Hawai’i

Leprosy Mailing List – October 12, 2026

Ref.: (LML) Molokai’I, Hawai’i

From: Nerges Mistry, Mumbai, India

____________________________________________________________________________

Note Editor:

Ben Naafs received a request from Nerges Mistry from the Foundation for Medical Research, Mumbai, India, if we could help the community in Molokai, Hawai’i, by publishing the following letter from James Foster, Sovereign Media, Moloka’i, Hawai’i.

Molokai is a Hawaiian island in the central Pacific. On the island's northern Kalaupapa Peninsula is a steep path leading to Kalaupapa National Historical Park, an isolated former leper colony. A very small number of elderly patients, cured of Hansen’s disease, are still living there.

Dear Foundation for Medical Research, Mumbai team,

I am writing because your research addresses Hansen's disease and its continuing social consequences. On Molokaʻi, Hawaiʻi, we are preparing a public listening and testimony gathering about Kalawao County and the former compulsory Hansen's disease isolation settlements of Kalaupapa and Kalawao.

The Kalawao Gathering is free and independent, Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10 AM to 10 PM Hawaiʻi time at One Aliʻi Park.

We ask:
1. What does Kalawao County hold that Molokaʻi must not let go of?
2. Who should decide what happens to that place now, and how are they
chosen?
3. What should be written down that has never been written down?

Would someone in your research team offer a few words on how modern
public health can avoid leaving people socially separated even after
effective treatment exists?

A short statement, published reference, referral or recording of
whatever length seems appropriate would be valuable. Videos sent by
October 15–16 can be checked for offline playback. We will ask your
permission before presenting any contribution. No private health
records or endorsement are sought.

Thank you for considering this invitation.

James Foster
Sovereign Media
Molokaʻi, Hawaiʻi
james@sovereign.community
(808) 658-5885

Links:
------
[1]
https://www.google.com/maps/search/84A,+R.G.Thadani+Marg+Worli,+Mumbai+400+018,+INDIA?entry=gmail&source=g
[2] http://www.fmrindia.org/

____________________________________________________________________________

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

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

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

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Fw: Ref.: (LML) New MB HD with and without chemoprophylaxis

Leprosy Mailing List – October 12, 2026

Ref.: (LML) New MB HD with and without chemoprophylaxis

From: Joel Almeida, Mumbai, India

____________________________________________________________________________

Dear Pieter and colleagues,

The exclusion of chemoprophylaxis appears to be critical for reducing new cases of MB HD (leprosy).

It is not necessary for individual contacts to wait before protecting their own eyes, hands, feet. They can simply say no to chemoprophylaxis.

There is also published information about the disabling impact of chemoprophylaxis on natural immunity to HD:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21344995

With all sincerity,

Joel Almeida

____________________________________________________________________________

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

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

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

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Friday, October 9, 2026

Fw: Ref.: (LML) New Publications On Cross-Cutting Issues In NTDs. September, 2026.

Leprosy Mailing List – October 9, 2026

Ref.: (LML) New Publications On Cross-Cutting Issues In NTDs. September, 2026.

From: Elizabeth Talatu Williams, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

____________________________________________________________________________

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to share the September 2026 edition of the InfoNTD newsletter, featuring new research, practical resources, and important updates from the 2026 NNN Conference.

InfoNTD was glad to attend the 2026 NNN Conference in Kigali, where we officially launched the InfoNTD Chatbot, an AI-powered tool designed to help users easily find reliable NTD resources. We invite you to use the chatbot and share it with health workers and program managers in your network.

We also announced our new partnership with NNN to establish the NNN Resource Hub, creating a dedicated space to bring together resources for the NTD community. Stay tuned for more updates!

This edition highlights the latest WHO global leprosy update, which emphasises the importance of a person-centered approach to leprosy elimination.

Across the latest publications, we explore a range of cross-cutting NTD issues, covering schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases, onchocerciasis, leishmaniasis, and trachoma. These issues include the use of AI and digital approaches for diagnosis, access to care, community engagement, health equity, diagnostics, and the integration of NTD services.

We also highlight an important global milestone, with WHO validating Timor-Leste’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, as well as new opportunities and events for the NTD community.

We hope this edition provides valuable insights and resources to support your work and strengthen collaboration across the NTD community.

Please feel free to contact us if you would like access to full-text articles not directly available through InfoNTD, or if you would like support with literature searches.

Warm regards,
Elizabeth Talatu Williams

www.InfoNTD.org
info@InfoNTD.org

Literature Reviews

Automating Diagnosis of Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases via Patient Metadata through Machine Learning Model with Adaptive Balancing and Dual Cross-Validation: Retrospective Diagnostic Accuracy Study
Minyilu Y, Yimer MA, Meshesha M. Online Journal of Public Health Informatics. JMIR Publications Inc. 2026.

Therapeutic Management of Schistosomiasis in Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review of Praziquantel Safety and Clinical Outcomes
Mustafa HM, Elfaki T, Adam I. Biomedicines. MDPI AG. 2026; 14 (9): 1 - 20.

Contemporary challenges of Schistosomiasis mansoni in Brazil: a review of epidemiological indicators, SUS protocols, and control strategies (2010–2026)
Soares I, Gomes KNF, Faria RX. Frontiers in Tropical Diseases. Frontiers Media SA. 2026; 7 (1918824): 1 - 12.

Epidemiological transitions of Visceral Leishmaniasis in G20 countries: A 33-year retrospective joinpoint and demographic decomposition analysis with 20-year ARIMA projections
Wang Y, Zhang R, Liu Z, et al. PLoS neglected tropical diseases. 2026; 20 (9): 1 - 21.

Practical materials

International Snakebite Awareness Day Webinar: Connecting Climate, Communities and Care Through a One Health Approach
the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH). 2026.

Epidemiological Record

Global leprosy (Hansen Disease) update, 2025: Strengthening a person-centered approach is integral to elimination of leprosy
World Health Organization. 2026.

New publications

Soil-transmitted helminth prevalence in a Sri Lankan sentinel community 22 years after the initiation of mass drug administration: a cross-sectional survey
Liyanapathiranage DA, Fernando BNT, Yahathugoda TC. BMC Infectious Diseases. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2026.

The community drug distributor passport: a case study of training and recognition in Chad
Diane S, Oumar AM, Kali B, et al. Frontiers in Public Health. Frontiers Media SA. 2026; 14 (1879806.): 1 - 7.

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis prevalence and infection intensity among school-going children in Timor-Leste after the prolonged interruption of deworming: a cross-sectional survey (2025)
Jin H, Magno Neves MA, Pinto F, et al. The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia. Elsevier BV. 2026.

Co-designing the 'LEAD' strategy: A theory-informed stakeholder-led behavioural intervention to improve mass drug administration compliance for lymphatic filariasis elimination in an urban block of Odisha, India
Rehman T, Pattanaik A, Bal M, et al. PLoS neglected tropical diseases. 2026; 20 (9): 1 - 18.

Endemicity and environmental reservoirs of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth infections in Ghanaian rural communities
Akologo RN, Williams I, Adu-Gyasi D, et al. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Public Library of Science (PLoS). 2026; 20 (9): 1 - 18.

Feasibility of paediatric schistosomiasis prevention with praziquantel, Madagascar
Marchese V, Andrianarimanana D, Ratefiarisoa S, et al. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 2026; 104 (9): 601 - 612.

Towards point-of-care diagnostics of neglected tropical diseases using nucleic acid amplification tests
Priem N, Rodriguez-Mateos P, Waweru H, et al. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2026.

Declining Onchocerca volvulus transmission despite limited ivermectin delivery in the Kakoi–Koda focus, Ituri, Democratic Republic of the Congo: An epidemiological, entomological and landscape evidence synthesis
Amaral L, Ukety T, Upenjirwoth J, et al. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Public Library of Science (PLoS). 2026; 20 (8):1 - 26.

Epidemiological and entomological assessment of persistent onchocerciasis transmission after long-term ivermectin treatment in communities along the Kéllé river, Cameroon
Tanguep Siakam JL, Nwane PB, Nana Djeunga HC, et al. Scientific Reports. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2026.

Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Their Impact on Nutritional and Anaemia Status Among School-Aged Children in Some Schools in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State Nigeria
Yusuf M, Isa A, Danjuma ES, et al. Journal of Science Research and Reviews. Erdel Concept. 2026; 3 (5): 117 - 126.

A Comparative Assessment of Onchocerciasis Knowledge and Ivermectin Uptake in Two Communities of Kano State, Nigeria
Mustapha, M.B., Surakat, O.A., Dogara, M.M., et al. Dutse Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences (DUJOPAS). African Journals Online. 2026; 12 (3c): 270 – 279.

Insecurity as a driver of migration, and its impact on the uptake of neglected tropical diseases preventive chemotherapy interventions in Kaduna State, Nigeria
Olanrewaju TO, Enwezor FNC, Lar L, et al. BMC Public Health. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2026.

A national geostatistical survey for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths in Zimbabwe following interruption of preventive chemotherapy
Midzi N, Mutsaka-Makuvaza M, Phiri I, et al. BMC global and public health. 2026; 4 (1): 1 - 13.

Shared and targeted barriers to care for skin-related neglected tropical diseases in two endemic communes of Benin: Toward a framework for resource allocation
Houngnihin R, Biao M, Gbèbioho B, et al. Dialogues in Health. Elsevier BV. 2026.

Forecasting the incidence of leishmaniasis in Ethiopia using global burden of disease 2021 data
Kelkay JM, Alemu EA, Alemayehu MA, et al. Discover Artificial Intelligence. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2026; 6 (1): 1 - 18.

Ripple Effects Mapping of a gender equity and social inclusion behaviour change activity in Uganda’s trachoma effort
Ssegawa E, Chhan D, Karlsson C, et al. International Health. Oxford University Press (OUP). 2026.

Antigen Positivity Without Infection: Confirmatory Mapping in Children Rules out Lymphatic Filariasis in Loiasis Co-Endemic Settings in Gabon
Bakajika D, Atsame J, Pambou JR, et al. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease. MDPI AG. 2026; 11 (10): 1 - 13.

Awareness perception and attitude towards neglected tropical diseases among health professionals in South-West Nigeria
Olaniyan KO, Akande FA, Adedeji OA, et al. Discover Public Health. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2026; 23 (1): 1 - 23.

Absence of human yaws and detection of Haemophilus ducreyi in skin ulcers of school children near wildlife protected areas in Tanzania
Lubinza C, Anton A, Lueert S, et al. PLoS neglected tropical diseases. 2026; 20 (9): 1 - 14.

Impact of two rounds of azithromycin mass drug administration on active trachoma and ocular Chlamydia trachomatis infection in Naoero
Cowling C, Apadinuwe S, Cama A, et al. PLoS neglected tropical diseases. 2026; 20 (9): 1 - 13.

Diagnosis of localized cutaneous leishmaniasis and treatment outcomes following carbon dioxide cryotherapy performed by health centre staff: A pilot implementation study in Ethiopia
Zewdu FT, Alemu K, Lambert S, et al. PLOS Global Public Health. Public Library of Science (PLoS). 2026; 6 (9):1 - 14.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Indigenous Population about Onchocerciasis in Endemic Communities of Kogi West, Kogi State, Nigeria
Zakari H, Audu PA, Lucas A, et al. Life Science Review. Research Floor. 2026; 10 (2): 56 - 66.

News & Events

AEIP Scholars Programme 2026-2027 [Africa Europe Innovation Platform]

WHO validates Timor-Leste’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem [World Health Organization]

World NTD Day 2027 Photo Competition [FESTMIH]

Senegal launches pilot study on schistosomiasis treatment for preschool-aged children in Kédougou region [ADP Health]

World Health Summit 2026
Date and Location: October 11 – 13, 2026, Berlin, Germany and Online

The World Health Summit 2026, held under the theme "From Crisis to Resilience: Innovating for Health", will take place from October 11–13, 2026, in Berlin, Germany, and online. As the leading platform for global health, the World Health Summit convenes leaders from politics, science, civil society, and the private sector from around the world to catalyze collaborative and innovative solutions for key global health priorities.

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