Modified leprosy elimination campaign (MLEC) for case detection in a remote tribal area in the State of Orissa, India

A leprosy project was established in a difficult to reach area under guidel ines of Government of India. The leprosy services were provided by Koraput Leprosy Eradication Project (KORALEP) and general health services by Primar y Health Care (PHC). Leprosy elimination campaigns (LECs) were suggested by WHO to detect more cases in the community. A modified leprosy elimination campaign (MLEC), carried out utilizing the services of primary health care workers is discussed in this paper. Apart from the trained health workers, Anganwadi workers along with some literate people from the district were al so included in the search teams. In all, 1543 cases were shortlisted from t he suspects identified and on re-examination 576 cases were confirmed as ac tive cases. Sixty percent of the cases detected were very early cases with two to three skin lesions. This could be achieved with a very brief trainin g of health workers and involving village voluntary workers. MLEC was found to be a useful tool for case finding in such areas.