@article{103695,
  keywords = {single-dose rifampicin, Leprosy transmission, Funding, Nepal},
  author = {Baskota R and Sunar C},
  title = {GD06 Single-dose rifampicin for control of leprosy transmission: rollout and navigating funding challenges in Nepal},
  abstract = {<p>Nepal has made notable progress in the control of leprosy; however, the disease continues to pose a public health challenge, particularly in certain high-endemic districts. Despite achieving the national elimination target, new case detection persists, indicating ongoing transmission and the need for strengthened preventive strategies. Single-dose rifampicin (SDR) as postexposure prophylaxis has emerged as a globally recommended intervention to interrupt transmission among contacts of persons affected by leprosy. This abstract examines the current status of leprosy control in Nepal, the rollout of SDR, and the funding challenges that influence its effective implementation. The Government of Nepal has adopted SDR as part of its leprosy control strategy, aligning with WHO guidelines. Pilot implementations and phased scale-up efforts have demonstrated promising potential in reducing incidence among household and close contacts. However, the rollout of SDR in Nepal has been uneven, constrained by operational, logistical and systemic challenges. These include limitations in contact tracing capacity, human resource constraints at the peripheral health system level, variability in district-level readiness, and gaps in monitoring and reporting mechanisms. A critical challenge affecting the sustainability and scale-up of SDR implementation is financing. Leprosy programmes in Nepal remain heavily reliant on external donor support, with limited domestic budget allocation dedicated specifically to preventive interventions such as SDR. Competing health priorities within a resource-constrained federal system further complicate funding continuity. Delays in fund disbursement, fragmented financing streams across federal, provincial and local levels, and uncertainty around long-term donor commitments pose significant risks to programme stability. Navigating these funding challenges requires strategic integration of SDR into broader health financing frameworks, stronger domestic ownership and improved coordination across governance levels. Strengthening financial planning, embedding SDR within routine public health services and leveraging existing primary healthcare platforms may enhance cost-effectiveness and sustainability.</p>
},
  year = {2026},
  journal = {British Journal of Dermatology},
  volume = {195},
  pages = {1 - 2},
  month = {06/2026},
  publisher = {Oxford University Press (OUP)},
  issn = {0007-0963, 1365-2133},
  url = {https://academic.oup.com/bjd/article-pdf/195/Supplement_1/ljag086.525/68621847/ljag086.525.pdf},
  doi = {10.1093/bjd/ljag086.525},
  language = {ENG},
}