Research
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TLMGB invests in transmission and diagnostics research and partners with researchers who work in this area. TLMGB’s vision is to see leprosy defeated and lives transformed. Our research focuses on generating high-quality, impactful evidence to improve health outcomes and inform better decision-making. We deliver cutting-edge research by combining rigorous laboratory science, community-based insights, and well-designed clinical trials. Our work enables deep scientific understanding and innovation, while our engagement with communities ensures research is relevant, inclusive, and grounded in real-world needs. Through carefully conducted trials, we translate discoveries into practical interventions, ensuring our research drives meaningful change at both local and national levels
Research Priorities
Transmission and Early Detection
The transmission of leprosy remains poorly understood. Research focuses on improving detection and preventing spread.
Point-of-care diagnostic tests
GIS mapping and epidemiology
Understanding infectiousness
AMR surveys and treatment trials
Managing Complications
Improving treatment, rehabilitation and long-term care for people affected by leprosy.
- Improved drug regimens
- Better prosthetics and orthotics
- Affordable mental health interventions
Equity and Inclusion
Research focused on improving quality of life and empowering people affected by leprosy.
- Strengthening OPAL involvement
- Research training for affected communities
- Building inclusive research systems
Research Projects
WRAP – Mental Health
A participatory research project in India and Nepal developing culturally relevant mental health recovery approaches.
TSR Ethiopia
A peer-delivered trauma support programme designed to provide trauma-informed mental health support.
2B or not 2B-Cell Research
This project investigates immune responses to identify biomarkers for earlier diagnosis.
Inclusive Research Project – India
A peer research training programme enabling people affected by leprosy to design and lead studies.
AMR Prevalence, Patterns, and Risks in Bangladesh
36-month observational study analysing antimicrobial resistance and its impact on treatment outcomes.
Niger Health Worker Trauma
Reducing stigma among healthcare workers through community-led interventions.
Environment
Environmental Survival of Mycobacterium leprae
Research into environmental reservoirs and their role in transmission.
LEMT Mapping Study
Applying WHO monitoring tools across India and Bangladesh.
Clinical Research
RIGHT CALL
Programme improving self-care for patients at risk of ulceration and disability.
Laboratories and Hospitals
Stanley Browne Laboratory – India
A centre of excellence advancing research in diagnosis and treatment.
Anandaban Hospital – Nepal
A leading centre for diagnosis, treatment and training.
Wellesley Bailey Laboratory – Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s first PCR facility dedicated to leprosy research.
Publications
- Alio AP, Malam Mamane Sani I, Abdou Y, Gado M, Harouna I, Celiktemur B. Leprosy stigma in the healthcare setting: Lived experiences of persons affected by leprosy in Niger. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2025 Oct 10;19(10):e0013584. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0013584 . PMID: 41071821; PMCID: PMC12527163.
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A linguistic approach to understanding leprosy stigma among Hausa-speaking peoples of Niger; Leprosy Review; 2024; 95; 4; e2024055; DOI: 10.47276/lr.95.4.2024055
- Kaptan SK, Habtamu M, Getahun S, Tadesse B, Akan A, Pupat A, Bizouerne C, Husain N. Protocol for an Exploratory RCT of the Traumatic Stress Relief Intervention With Persons With Lived Experience of Leprosy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. J Trop Med. 2025 Mar 13;2025:1307578. doi: 10.1155/jotm/1307578. Erratum in: J Trop Med. 2025 Sep 10;2025:9760139. doi: 10.1155/jotm/9760139. PMID: 40114854; PMCID: PMC11925633.
- Shrestha D, Shrestha B, Ansari S, Sharma S, Puri S, Shakya A, et al. (2025) Fostering empowerment: Transition from self-help groups to cooperatives in leprosy-affected communities in Nepal. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 19(12): e0013799. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013799
- Napit IB, Shrestha D, Choudhury S, Gkini E, Ilozumba O, Gill P, Bishop J, Neupane K, Adhikari A, Sartori J, Watson SI, Lilford R. A randomised Trial of Autologous Blood products, leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF), to promote ulcer healing in LEprosy: The TABLE trial. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2024 May 2;18(5):e0012088. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012088. PMID: 38696527; PMCID: PMC11093377
- Napit IB, Shrestha D, Neupane K, et alAutologous blood products: Leucocyte and Platelets Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) and Platelets Rich Plasma (PRP) gel to promote cutaneous ulcer healing – a systematic reviewBMJ Open 2023;13:e073209. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073209
- Choudhury S, Ilozumba O, Darlong J, Govindasamy K, Tsaku PA, Udo S, Shrestha D, Napit IB, Ugwu L, Meka A, Sartori J, Griffiths F, Lilford RJ. Investigating the sustainability of self-help programmes in the context of leprosy and the work of leprosy missions in Nigeria, Nepal and India: a qualitative study protocol. BMJ Open. 2023 May 16;13(5):e070604. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070604. PMID: 37192811; PMCID: PMC10193062.
- Napit, I.B., Shrestha, D., Bishop, J., Choudhury, S., Dulal, S., Gill, P., Gkini, E., Gwyther, H., Hagge, D.A., Neupane, K. and Sartori, J., 2021. An individual randomised efficacy trial of autologous blood products, leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF), to promote ulcer healing in leprosy in Nepal: the TABLE trial protocol. Trials, 22(1), pp.1-13.
- Shrestha, D., Napit, I.B., Ansari, S., Choudhury, S.M., Dhungana, B., Gill, P., Griffiths, F., Gwyther, H., Hagge, D., Kandel, S. and Puri, S., 2021. Evaluation of a self-help intervention to promote the health and wellbeing of marginalised people including those living with leprosy in Nepal: a prospective, observational, cluster-based, cohort study with controls. BMC public health,21(1), pp.1-13.
- Jessica Ochalek, Naomi K Gibbs, Rita Faria, Joydeepa Darlong, Karthikeyan Govindasamy, Melissa Harden, Anthony Meka, Dilip Shrestha, Indra Bahadur Napit, Richard J Lilford, Mark Sculpher, Economic evaluation of self-help group interventions for health in LMICs: a scoping review, Health Policy and Planning, Volume 38, Issue 9, November 2023, Pages 1033–1049, https://doi.org/10.1093/heapol/czad060