KIT Leprosy Unit

The Leprosy Unit provides technical support to leprosy control programmes in areas such as programme implementation, training, research and advocacy. Its offices in Amsterdam are located at the headquarters of Netherlands Leprosy Relief (NLR), with which the Leprosy Unit maintains close relations.

Four public health experts with an extensive background in leprosy and tuberculosis control, systems development and operational research provide technical support for all NLR field and research projects. Over the years, they have also been involved in consultancies to other multinational, bilateral and non-governmental organizations.

Scope of activities
The unit has work experience in most leprosy-endemic countries in the world. Current activities include support to leprosy programmes in Angola, Brazil, China, the Commonwealth Caribbean, Gambia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Surinam, Thailand, Vietnam, Zambia. 

Unit staff participate in several expert committees and collaborate with a wide range of partners. They have published many articles on various aspects of leprosy control, some of which can be download below.

Areas of particular interest and experience are the integration of leprosy services into general health services; epidemiology; gender; health systems research; operational, social science and clinical research, rehabilitation and human resource development.