In 2018, our team at APMARGIN was engaged to support the Department of Health in evaluating the Modified Leprosy Elimination Campaign in five selected areas across the Philippines. The main goal was to verify whether reported leprosy cases were being properly traced, treated, and documented, and to assess how field implementation aligned with national program targets.

Scope and Methods

The evaluation covered Pangasinan, Iloilo, Bohol, Zamboanga City, and Davao City. Our team conducted household visits to locate previously reported leprosy cases and confirm whether these individuals had received a proper diagnosis and treatment. We also reviewed local documentation and interviewed health workers and program managers to better understand how systems function at the community level.

Challenges Observed

The findings pointed to recurring issues in surveillance and referral. Several health units were unable to trace past cases due to outdated records or incomplete contact details. In some areas, patients had not yet received treatment or were listed without confirmed diagnosis. Limited training for health workers and the persistence of community-level stigma affected both detection and timely care.

Gaps in Program Implementation

We also reviewed how each site carried out the required MLEC activities. While most locations organized screening events and community mobilization, other key elements such as patient follow-up, health education, and coordination between health offices and barangay workers required more consistent support.

Implications for Program Strengthening

This field-based evaluation helped uncover specific areas where the leprosy program can be improved. The findings support the need for better case documentation, targeted capacity building for health staff, and stronger referral and follow-up mechanisms to ensure every case is addressed in a timely and effective way.

To request the full report or discuss how these lessons can inform your local response, please feel free to get in touch with us. We are happy to share what we have learned and support collaborative efforts toward stronger public health systems.