Raising awareness to mitigate the spread and transmission of leprosy neuropathy.
By Camila Castelo Branco Pupe, PhD
Camila Castelo Branco Pupe
Leprosy is one of humanity’s oldest diseases. Yet, it is still a frequent cause of peripheral neuropathy worldwide, especially in certain endemic areas.
Although leprosy is a treatable and curable disease, it remains prevalent in several regions of the world due to the underdiagnosis of new cases, which sustains transmission within communities. The disease is complex and sometimes difficult to recognize, especially in its pure neuritic forms.
Even though leprosy is primarily a neurological condition, it has historically received little attention from neurologists. This has resulted in delays in diagnosis and management. Effective control depends on training clinicians to identify early neurological signs and initiate prompt treatment, preventing disability, and interrupting transmission chains.
The first step toward this goal is raising awareness — ensuring that every neurologist recognizes leprosy as a disease of the peripheral nerves that can and should be cured.
To shed light on this reality, the Peripheral Nerve Society (PNS) launched the Leprosy Awareness Podcast Series, an educational project that brings science and clinical practice together. It is designed to connect clinicians, researchers, and students worldwide. It was one of the most successful PNS initiatives of 2025 — an international collaboration highlighting advances in the understanding, diagnosis, and management of leprosy neuropathy.
Led by Dr. Camila Castelo Branco Pupe (Brazil) and Prof. Wilson Marques Jr. (Brazil), the series includes experts from India, Brazil, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United States. These guests share scientific updates and lived experiences from both endemic and nonendemic regions.
Each episode explores a different facet of the disease, blending scientific discussion with real-world experience. These facets include Schwann cell biology, clinical recognition, neurophysiology, imaging, treatment, and rehabilitation, while reminding listeners that leprosy is a disease of nerves, not just of skin. The conversations also highlight stigma, inclusion, and clinical cases showing the human stories behind medical care.
Supported by the PNS International Outreach and Membership Committee, the project aims to bridge different cultures and generations, connecting neurologists, dermatologists, immunologists, trainees, experienced peripheral neuropathy specialists, and other professionals through accessible and story-driven education.
The series has already reached listeners in more than 60 countries, amplifying awareness where it is most needed. Episodes are being released throughout the year and continue to inspire global collaboration in peripheral nerve health and neglected diseases.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or at the Peripheral Nerve Podcast website. •
