MDT remains highly effective, and people are no longer infectious after the first monthly dose. Relapse rates remain low, and there is no known resistance to the combined drugs.

Most persons with leprosy take their medications at home. They continue their regular jobs and daily activities. The medications now available are very effective in killing the bacteria. The disease can be cured if the medications are taken as prescribed.

Surgical rehabilitation is often only needed in advanced cases to restore limb function if possible and some neural functions that were lost to the disease. This is done only after treatment with anti-biotics is completed and the skin smears are negative.

Medications used to treat leprosy are the anti-biotics dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine. They may be taken for six months or twelve months depending on the type of disease.