Shortening leprosy case detection delay: Narrowing the window of transmission and disease progression

Leprosy is an ancient disease that persists as a source of immense suffering worldwide. Although the vast majority of leprosy cases can be effectively treated, delays in diagnosis frequently occur that lead to negative outcomes over time, including irreversible disability, stigma and ongoing transmission. In this thesis, factors that contribute to longer delays are estimated through Bayesian analysis and the epidemiological impact of interventions to enhance early case detection are explored using individual-based modelling. The insights revealed through this work will build on our understanding of the underlying epidemiology of leprosy and identify targets for active case finding more effectively, thereby contributing to leprosy elimination worldwide.