Leprosy is a chronic disease affecting the skin and peripheral nerve system. Generally, clinical examination for signs of leprosy and a slit skin smear is sufficient to diagnose leprosy, while additional histopathological examination provided a more accurate diagnosis. This study evaluated the concordance of clinical findings and histopathological features of leprosy in an Indonesian tertiary hospital. A retrospective descriptive study with secondary data was conducted on patients who came to the Dermatology and Venereology outpatient clinic from July 2018 to June 2023. Leprosy was assessed clinically by dermatologists and histopathologically by pathology specialists.

In this study, we explored the bold and inspiring journey of two former leprosy patients who not only overcame their personal difficulties but also led significant social transformation in their communities. They harnessed their challenging life experiences to promote empathy and combat the stigma associated with disease. This study investigates their strategy for outreach and the role their unique experiences played in shifting societal perspectives on leprosy.

The personal experiences they share serve as powerful examples of human empowerment and leadership, providing useful lessons for Self Help Group (SHG) programs globally. Utilizing these inspiring stories could significantly enhance community-driven projects and promote long-lasting change.

Their stories serve as a powerful source of motivation for other people affected by leprosy, encouraging them to overcome hindrances, and exceed societal limitations. Their stories demonstrate that they are now recognized and heard at both national and international levels. They are champions not just for leprosy-affected communities, but also for individuals who are disabled and marginalized. Their stories compellingly illustrate how individuals affected by leprosy can actively contribute to reducing leprosy within their communities; and significantly drive transformative societal changes.

In this study, we adopted a qualitative approach, conducting in-depth interviews (IDIs) with these individuals and examining their steps, from their own recovery to their distinctive roles in provoking change, to gain a comprehensive understanding of their unique contribution to society.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted global health with the reorganisation of health services and some disruption of routine work. This paper aims to quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the detection of new leprosy cases in children under 15 years old in the state of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. The analysis included all new leprosy cases reported in children under 15 years old in the state of Pernambuco from 2015 to 2021. The leprosy detection coefficient in the age group was calculated, and the degree of endemicity was classified in the municipalities, regions and micro-regions of the state. To quantify the impact of the pandemic on the detection of new cases, the percentage change in the years 2020 and 2021 was calculated. The study showed a reduction in the detection of leprosy cases in children under 15 years old in Pernambuco in the period 2020 to 2021 (56.4% and 65.3% reductions, respectively). Among the health macro-regions, in 2020, the greatest decline was observed in the Sertão region (81.5% reduction) and, in 2021, in Sertão (83.6% reduction) and Agreste (83.6% reduction). The number of municipalities with no leprosy records in the population studied in the first two years of the pandemic was higher than that observed in previous years, reaching 88.1% in 2021. The findings show that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the fight against leprosy in Pernambuco. Strategies should be adopted to reduce underdiagnosis in the state.