The Indian Association of Leprologists (IAL) was established in 1950 with the objective of promoting the study and research in leprosy; creating a public opinion in matters relating to its cure, prevention and rehabilitation of patients afflicted by it; and collaborating with medical and other institutions at regional and national level having similar objectives. Its members encompass leprologists general clinicians, dermatologists, leprologists, pathologists, microbiologists, epidemiologists, general, plastic, ophthalmic, orthopaedic surgeons and laboratory scientists. At present its member strength is around 1200 members.
IAL has been a major force in the fight against leprosy in India and is also involved in tackling the post elimination emerging problems. It works in close collaboration with National Leprosy Eradication Program (NLEP), and other national and international leprosy stakeholders in implementation, policy making and training of healthcare workers.
The IAL in collaboration with Hind Kust Nivaran Sangh (HKNS) supports the publication of a quarterly journal ‘Indian Journal of Leprosy’ (IJL) abbreviated as Indian J Lepr, which is one of the oldest peer reviewed journals on leprosy internationally, dedicated to publishing comprehensive research in the field of leprosy, and has extensive readership.