PLOS Global Public Health
Delayed diagnosis as a barrier to Zero Leprosy: Lived experiences from Pakistan
Despite progress in leprosy control, delayed diagnosis remains a barrier to achieving Zero Leprosy, particularly in low-endemic settings. Diagnostic delay not only sustains hidden transmission but also leads to preventable disability and lifelong consequences for affected individuals. Pakistan, although classified as low endemic, continues to report a high proportion of new leprosy cases presenting with grade 2 disability (G2D), indicating delays in case detection. This study explored the reasons for delayed lepros …