While leprosy might seem like an ancient disease, it is very much a disease of the present in 145 countries: in 2016, there were more than 200.000 new leprosy patients registered globally.
Within the framework of the PEOPLE project, a large, multi-partner clinical trial, four methods of preventive treatment are tested, to stop the disease in the Comoros and Madagascar, which are among the most affected countries. Over 100.000 contacts of leprosy patients participate in this study to identify the best approach to protect them from developing leprosy.
The PEOPLE study is led by ITM, which has a longstanding expertise in disease caused by mycobacteria, such as TB, Buruli ulcer and leprosy. More details can be found in the clinical trial registry: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03662022
This project is part of the EDCTP2 programme supported by the European Union:
Latest news
Summary of the final project report
Global control of leprosy, an ancient infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae), has stalled and needs new interventions. Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is one of the key interventions suggested to overcome the stalemate. Currently single dose Rifampicin (SDR) is the regimen of choice but new strategies and tools are required to target individuals at risk […]
Final PEOPLE consortium meeting in Madagascar
After 2 years of online meetings due to Covid, the PEOPLE consortium will get together one last time in Madagascar at the beginning of October this year to exchange data and results and see how the project can be brought to a successful end in February 2023.
Latest events
Annual Meeting with Consortium of PEOPLE in Manila
Annual Meeting with Consortium of PEOPLE in Manila
20th International Leprosy Congress
The International Leprosy Association (ILA) once again presents its compliments to the Philippines authorities for accepting to host the 20th International Leprosy Congress (20th ILC).