Leprosy epidemiological trends and diagnosis delay in three districts of Tanzania: A baseline study

Objectives Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a slowly progressive and chronic infectious neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by Mycobacterium leprae. This study was performed to assess the epidemiological trend of leprosy in past five years three districts Tanzania which prevention intervention (PEP4LEP) implemented, determine case detection delay at baseline. Methods Secondary data from registry National Tuberculosis Leprosy Program 2015 2019 were used describe trends for districts: Morogoro, Mvomero, Lindi district council. A cross-sectional conducted diagnosis The chi-square test calculate statistical significance. Results Between 2019, 657 new cases detected districts. Of those cases, 247 (37.6%) female patients, 5 (0.8%) had grade 2 disability (G2D) 516 (78.5%) multibacillary (MB) leprosy. From 50 adult patients interviewed delay, 16 (32.0%) females 38 (76.0%) MB Overall, mean 28.1 months (95% CI 21.5–34.7) median 21.5 observed. Conclusion PEP4LEP remain highly endemic, with long delays observed that increase risk disabilities contribute ongoing transmission. Integrating activities such contact screening provision post-exposure prophylaxis are therefore necessary strategy these endemic areas.