India recorded 3,832 new leprosy cases among children in 2025-26. The figure comes from the National Leprosy Eradication Programme’s annual report. It was reported on October 3.

The child caseload was 91.6 per cent above the programme’s target of 2,000 cases for the year. Thirty-seven children had Grade-2 disability at diagnosis. That points to delayed detection. The WHO treats new child cases as a sign of recent transmission.

India is pursuing the National Strategic Plan for Leprosy 2023-27. The goal is to interrupt transmission at the district level by 2027. A district qualifies after reporting zero new indigenous child cases for five straight years.

The programme uses contact tracing and post-exposure preventive drugs for contacts of patients. Screening is linked with Ayushman Bharat for adults and with child health programmes for those under 18. A revamped Nikusth 2.0 portal tracks diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. The WHO cites new child cases as a key indicator of recent transmission in a community.