Final Push for Leprosy Eradication Through Immunoprophylaxis/Vaccination: Need Versus Evidence

The push for leprosy eradication, initiated by the WHO in 1999, aims for a leprosy-free world. Despite theimplementation of multi-drug therapy (MDT), new leprosy cases remain static, particularly in India, whichaccounts for a significant percentage of global cases. The long incubation period of M. leprae contributes toongoing transmission, necessitating additional strategies beyond MDT. Single dose rifampicin (SDR) has shownsome efficacy in preventing leprosy among contacts but does not protect against multibacillary leprosy. Apromising candidate vaccine, Mycobacterium Indicus Pranii (MIP), has demonstrated significant protectiveefficacy in trials, particularly among household contacts, and has immunomodulatory effects while being costeffective. Given its potential to impact other diseases, including tuberculosis, the MIP vaccine represents a criticaladvancement in the fight against leprosy, urging the global community to renew efforts towards eradication.