Publisher's Synopsis
This work reports the conclusions reached by an expert committee commissioned to review the global leprosy situation in 1997, assess the equacy of current technology for eliminating the disease as a public health problem, and identify the remaining obstacles. The need to reach patients living under difficult conditions or in remote areas was identified as a major priority. The experts also reviewed the results of several recent studies in order to determine whther diagnostic tools could be simplified and treatment regimens shortened.;The report also addresses the problems of drug resistance, relapse, and the management of reactions and neuritis. A section on disabilities and rehabilitation calls for a fresh strategy which can ensure a practical, community-oriented approach to the prevention and management of disabilities. The report concludes with a consideration of what can be done to strengthen and accelerate activities aimed at reaching the remaining pockets of leprosy, and points to a continuing need for careful monitoring of the global leprosy situation.
