Novartis pledges to eliminate leprosy

More than 15 million patients have been cured of leprosy since 1981.

As part of its pledge to fight neglected diseases in the developing world, Novartis and the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development has launched a new leprosy strategy focused on interrupting leprosy transmission through early diagnosis and treatment, contact tracing of former patients, diagnostic tools and strict surveillance and response.

Over the past eight years, however, the number of newly diagnosed leprosy patients has plateaued at around 230,000 cases per year.

"As part of our pledge to fight neglected diseases in the developing world, Novartis and the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development are committed to going the last mile to help make leprosy history," said Mr Joseph Jimenez, CEO, Novartis.