Treatment of leprosy: science or politics?
OBJECTIVE
To review the history of the treatment of leprosy and leprosy reactions after World War II.


METHODS
Treatments based on experience and clinical evidence are compared with those advised by the WHO in their quest to eliminate leprosy by the year 2000, later extended to 2005.


RESULTS
Leprosy is not eliminated. Analyses of data on reaction treatment suggest that the treatment regimens for leprosy reactions as advised by the WHO may lead to more impairment among leprosy patients than the 'old' established regimes.


CONCLUSIONS
WHO policies to eliminate leprosy may have jeopardized the proper treatment of leprosy for years to come.
Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands. benaafs@dds.nl
Bernard
B
Naafs
D001294:Attitude to Health; D004893:Erythema Nodosum / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007917:Leprostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007918:Leprosy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015440:Leprosy, Lepromatous / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014944:World Health Organization
D007917:Leprostatic Agents; D013256:Steroids; D013792:Thalidomide