India, Jan. 30 -- The Maharashtra government will launch a statewide special campaign "Kushthamukt Surakshit Maharashtra (KUSUM)" from January 30 to February 13, 2026, with an aim to achieve zero transmission of leprosy by 2027, said officials on Thursday.

The campaign will focus on identifying hidden leprosy cases, especially among marginalised and hard-to-reach populations often missed during routine health surveys. These include brick kiln workers, mining and construction labourers, migrant populations, prison inmates, students of ashram schools and hostels, factory workers and other vulnerable groups.

Early detection and timely treatment are critical to breaking the chain of transmission, said Dr Rajratna Waghmare, joint director (t...