Contrary to the official claims of elimination of leprosy in Maharashtra, the state is witnessing a constant increase in the number of fresh cases detected 2007 onwards.         

"It was officially declared in 2005 that leprosy has been eradicated in Maharashtra. However, fresh cases are still being detected in the state," Sharadchandra Gokhale, founder president of the International Leprosy Union claimed.         

There is a further increase in the number of Multi-Bacilliary cases with child population accounting for 12 per cent of total detected cases, he said.         

The ILU, which is headquartered in Pune, had in its search campaign conducted in 173 blocks in the state last year had detected as many as 2,515 fresh cases, Gokhale said, emphasizing the need for a door-to-door campaign to unearth fresh cases and timely treatment.