Introduction
Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, is a chronic infectious disease that affects the nerves and skin, often leading to physical, emotional, and social disabilities. In Nepal during the fiscal year 2021/22, 2285 new leprosy cases across 64 districts began Multi Drug Therapy (MDT). These cases included 3.19% children under 15 years, 7.44% with Grade 2 Disabilities, and 43.3% females. By year-end, 2373 cases were undergoing MDT treatment, with a prevalence rate of 0.81 cases per 10,000 people nationwide. The 2021 census indicates that 2.2 percent of the entire population possesses some form of disability. Of these individuals, 54.2 percent are male and 45.8 percent are female. In contrast, the 2011 Census had revealed that 1.94 percent of the total population had one or more disabilities. Its infection can lead to damage to the nerves, respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. The nerve damage may result in a lack of ability to feel pain, leading to the loss of parts of a person’s extremities from repeated injuries or infection through unnoticed wounds. An infected person may also experience muscle weakness and poor eyesight. Leprosy symptoms may begin within one year but for some people, symptoms may take 20 years or more to occur. Leprosy will be curable with multidrug therapy.
The Leprosy Mission is a UK-based international non-government organization active in 34 countries and started work in Nepal in 1957 with the establishment of Anadaban Hospital in Lele, the southern part of Lalitpur. However, since 2005 The Leprosy Mission Nepal (TLMN) has been working as an independent NGO in partnership with TLM International and the Government of Nepal to provide specialist tertiary care and technical support for the leprosy control program. In fiscal year 2077/78, 2,173 new cases were detected in Nepal. The national prevalence rate was 0.73 cases per 10,000 populations, emphasizing the importance of timely treatment to prevent permanent damage.
Objectives
- To assess the progress and outcomes of the project by determining its result from its indicators and compare them with their targets and baseline data
- To assess the project’s effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability.
- To document lessons learned, best practices, and recommendations.
Methodology
The study is mixed methodology. We will use Phenomenography approach study design to conduct qualitative study.
Study area: Nawalparasi, Rupandhi, and Kapilbastu
Duration: March to May 2024
Partner: The Leprosy Mission Nepal
Study team;
Dr. Janak Thapa
Ms. Pragya Pokharel
Ms. Salina Thapa
Ms. Pabitra Magar
Mr. Sushant Luitel