Editor’s Choice – December 2024

Dr Paul Saunderson, who is stepping back from the role.This will now be taken up by Dr Saba Lambert, the current Deputy Editor.Congratulations to Dr Lambert on this promotion!Dr Saunderson will continue as Deputy Editor, to ensure a seamless transition.As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes more familiar and is more widely used, it is important that we use it sensibly and avoid misuse.We have written a brief Editorial to explain how authors should ensure that any use of AI is done transparently; the accuracy the text is always the authors' responsibility.Any further role of AI in the whole field of scientific publication, to assist with peer review for example, is also discussed.Issues of diagnosis in leprosy are always topical.While it can be straightforward, many cases are complex, with various barriers to be overcome.A paper from Karachi looks at delayed diagnosis and the high level of disability which is a common consequence of that; it is interesting to compare this paper with the one from the Netherlands showing the same problem in a completely different setting, and needing very different interventions.A paper from Indonesia shows the value of histopathology in reaching an accurate diagnosis and classification.Case reports are often about unusual presentations of leprosy, often confusing the diagnostic picture and in this issue we have several of them.To summarize the problem of diagnosis, Drs Narasimha Rao and Sujai Suneeetha have looked in depth at the 'Definition of a case of leprosy' which is most helpful.The paper on stigmatizing language from Niger is very enlightening.Looking at stigma in another language, in this case Hausa, brings much insight, showing that there are multiple layers and nuances in the language used by, and about, people affected by leprosy.Diana Lockwood's paper 'New Face for Leprosy in Bangladesh 2023' also shows people affected in a new light.An important report from ILEP parallels these insights into stigma, by looking at how organisations of people affected can be strengthened and empowered in their work of advocacy.These groups face many difficulties, including funding and organizational capacity, but have achieved an amazing amount in many countries.