This baseline study supported the preparation of the PEPCOM Program, which integrates leprosy elimination through improved healthcare services, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and community empowerment.
Findings: Health workers had limited knowledge and uneven training on leprosy management. Community stigma remained high, and knowledge levels were low. Leprosy services were not integrated into primary care and lacked prioritisation.
Recommendations: strengthen early detection via active case finding, train healthcare workers in PEP, develop district-level policies for leprosy elimination, and improve public literacy through involvement of persons affected by leprosy and community leaders.
