The Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development (NFSD), a nonprofit organization, has launched a new leprosy strategy based on the consensus reached by a group of leading experts earlier this year. The new strategy focuses on interrupting leprosy transmission through early diagnosis and treatment, contact tracing of former patients, diagnostic tools and strict surveillance and response.

This symposium of the NFSD convenes experts to discuss "What does it take to eliminate a disease?" by drawing lessons from previous successful disease control programmes, the symposium speakers discuss innovative approaches and advocate for new coordination strategies in disease elimination efforts.

"As part of our pledge to fight neglected diseases in the developing world, Novartis and the NFSD are committed to going the last mile to help make leprosy history," says Joseph Jimenez, CEO of Novartis, in an address to the symposium today. "This devastating disease is curable and I am proud that our donation of multidrug therapy (MDT) has helped treat over five million patients since 2000."

With the availability of MDT, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 15 million patients have been cured of leprosy since 1981, shrinking the worldwide prevalence by approximately 95 per cent. Over the past eight years, however, the number of newly diagnosed leprosy patients has plateaued at around 230,000 cases per year. As experience with other disease control programmes has shown, going the last mile is often the hardest. Waning knowledge means that as prevalence decreases, so do political will and funding.

"The key to eradicating smallpox was a comprehensive approach including the availability of an effective, heat stable vaccine, epidemiological surveillance, thorough research, involvement of local communities as well as strong management and commitment by the respective governments," says Professor Donald Henderson, former head of the WHO's Smallpox Eradication Campaign. "Current elimination programs can also draw on these lessons learned."

Moving forward, the Novartis Foundation plans to take steps to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of this strategy in several sites in Asia, Africa and Latin America. "Zero transmission of leprosy is achievable, but we need to be better equipped and use innovative approaches if we are to find and treat the last patients," says Ann Aerts, head of the Novartis Foundation. "In collaboration with our partners, we want to play a key role in curbing the incidence of leprosy."

The NFSD has served as a competence center for corporate responsibility and international health, focused on underserved communities. NFSD aims to improve access to healthcare, strengthen human resources in health and empower vulnerable groups. The foundation also fosters dialogue and networking, acting as a bridge between the private sector, international organizations, governments and NGOs.

Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies and offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines and diagnostic tools, over-the-counter and animal health products.