The WHO Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on Leprosy Control is composed of experts who are independent of WHO. Members are chosen for their expertise in leprosy and programme management with particular reference to public health, epidemiology, community mobilisation and advocacy, operational research and disability prevention. They form a strong team with a good technical balance and geographical representation.

The members of this advisory body are selected and appointed by WHO and meet at least once a year. The period of membership is three years, with the possibility of extension.

The terms of reference of the WHO TAG on Leprosy Control are to:

  • review and monitor the implementation of the Global Strategy to further reduce the leprosy burden and sustain leprosy control activities;
  • advise WHO on new strategies and approaches if necessary;
  • monitor progress in further reducing the leprosy burden;
  • give technical advice and guidance on sustaining leprosy control activities;
  • identify and facilitate implementation of a research agenda in order to improve the quality of leprosy control activities, including prevention of disabilities and rehabilitation; and 
  • support efforts related to reducing stigma and discrimination against individuals and families affected by leprosy.
Members July 2009 - July 2012
Dr H J S Kawuma (Chairperson) Medical Advisor, German Leprosy and TB Relief Association (GLRA), Kampala, Uganda
Dr (Ms) Jeanne Bertolli Associate Chief for Science, Behavioural and Clinical Surveillance Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
Dr (Mrs) Maria da Conceição Mendonça Caldeira de Palma Caldas Medical Specialist in Public Health, Director, National Programme for Control of TB and Leprosy, Luanda, Angola
Professor Paul Fine Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
Dr Padebattu Krishnamurthy Secretary, Damien Foundation India Trust, Chennai, India
Dr Masanori Matsuoka Chief, Laboratory, Department of Bio-regulation Leprosy Research Centre, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
Dr (Ms) Christine Schmotzer Medical Director, Rawalpindi Leprosy Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Professor Cairns Smith Head, Department of Public Health, Medical School, University of Aberdeen, UK (Chair of the ILEP Technical Commission)