Baseline Assessment to Inform a Follow-Up Project on Interrupting M. leprae Transmission in Côte d’Ivoire

The MoLEP project generated a rich set of tools and evidence supporting the relevance of the approach. Novartis is currently considering engaging with the Programme National d'Élimination de la Lèpre (PNEL) in Côte d’Ivoire with the aim of exploring the conditions for the implementation of a comparable project.

Aim of the mandate: design a leprosy transmission interruption demonstration project in Côte d’Ivoire with a focus on sustainable system strengthening and post-exposure prophylaxis based on MoLEP, ready for implementation starting in 2027.

 Objective 1a: review of national leprosy data (evolution over time, data quality and completeness)

Objective 1b: assessment of national leprosy program strategy, capacity and needs assessment

Objective 2: establishment of a consolidated inventory of national program partners (technical, funding) and activities, including spatial targeting of existing/planned projects

Objective 3: adaptation of MoLEP methodology and tools to local context; identification of priority activities, timelines, target districts and resource needs

Objective 4: development of governance model and activity plan including budget for a pilot phase and description of roles and responsibilities of partners (technical, funding, implementation)