@article{article,
  keywords = {Leprosy elimination, Mycobacterium leprae transmission, Contact Tracing, Post-exposure prophylaxis, single-dose rifampicin, Early detection, Morogoro Leprosy Elimination Program (MoLEP), Tanzania},
  author = {Barth-Jaeggi T and de Coulon G and Garimo I and Msaki J and Mleoh L and Kisonga R and Modali S and Panchal S and Njebele SM and Sunderji S and Mageda K and Steinmann P},
  editor = {Lambert SM},
  title = {MoLEP{\textemdash}Co-creating a Mycobacterium leprae transmission interruption program for the Morogoro region, Tanzania},
  abstract = {<p>The global goal for leprosy elimination is the interruption of Mycobacterium leprae transmission, resulting in zero new leprosy patients. In alignment with this objective, Tanzania{\textquoteright}s updated national leprosy strategy emphasizes early detection, systematic contact tracing, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with single-dose rifampicin (SDR), and integration of services into primary health care. However, the feasibility of accelerating M. leprae transmission interruption in high-burden areas with this strategy has yet to be demonstrated. In 2024, the Morogoro Leprosy Elimination Program (MoLEP) was launched in the country{\textquoteright}s most endemic region. Developed through a collaborative process, MoLEP aligns global practices with local conditions and needs. Key interventions include training frontline health workers and expanding contact tracing with SDR-PEP. Furthermore, targeted activities will respond to high transmission areas and the detection of child cases, which serve as indicators of recent transmission. Strengthening the drug supply chain is also a priority. MoLEP will generate critical data on the feasibility and effectiveness of these interventions in accelerating progress toward elimination. The implementation is guided by a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework, alongside clearly defined governance structures, to facilitate evidence-informed decision-making. Findings are expected to guide strategic scaling and replication in other high-burden regions across Tanzania and beyond.</p>
},
  year = {2025},
  journal = {PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases},
  volume = {19},
  pages = {1-9},
  publisher = {Public Library of Science (PLoS)},
  issn = {1935-2735},
  url = {https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0013507\&type=printable},
  doi = {10.1371/journal.pntd.0013507},
  language = {ENG},
}