Human Resource Challenges in Leprosy Control: A Cross-Sectional Study in Southwest border area of China

BackgroundLeprosy remains a neglected tropical disease and major global public health challenge, particularly in developing countries with severe healthcare workforce shortages hindering control. The southwestern border, represented by Yunnan Province, is a core endemic area. A comprehensive assessment of its leprosy workforce is critical for achieving elimination. Methods/ResultsIn October 2024, a cross-sectional census survey evaluated leprosy prevention personnel across all 126 counties in Yunnan Province, China. These counties were categorized into high (I), moderate (II), and low (III) endemicity areas based on their leprosy burden. Distinct workforce patterns emerged among 423 personnel, Category I areas exhibited the highest proportion of personnel aged 30-39 years (37.5%), along with the most educated workforce (78.5% holding a bachelors degree or higher) and the highest full-time employment rate (52.5%). Category II areas featured the oldest personnel profile (35.0% aged [≥] 50 years), highest continuing education participation (78.8%), and strongest prescription protocol awareness (72.5%). In contrast, Category III areas had the highest proportion under 30 years (20.5%), yet the lowest education levels (69.9% above bachelors degreer), lowest full-time rate (38.4%), highest compensation dissatisfaction (38.4% "below average"), and lowest intention to leave (8.2%). Pervasive workforce aging existed (at least 30% of personnel [≥] 50 years in Category II and III) and widespread technical gaps (>75% Category III areas lacked essential lab skills). Part-time staffing was common (47.5%-61.6% across categories). Despite >95% of personnel rating compensation as "average", compensation and career challenges were most acute in Categories I and II. ConclusionsThe Yunnan leprosy workforce shows strengths, notably high continuing education participation (78.5%) and balanced clinical/preventive staffing. However, it faces significant challenges, workforce aging, shortage of highly qualified personnel, and limited lab capacity. Urgent intervention measures are needed to revitalize the workforce, enhance training, and strategically allocate resources to expedite the achievement of leprosy elimination.