A practical method of active case finding and epidemiological assessment: its origin and application in the leprosy control project in Indonesia.

Random sample surveys in the past have revealed high estimated against low registered prevalences for leprosy in several parts of Indonesia. A pilot project showed that the problem of cases that had not yet been detected could not be solved without the active participation of the local authorities, who proved able to overcome the stigma and to convince potential patients to go for examination and treatment. The pilot project was based on the principle of what are called exploration surveys, which were introduced by Sitanala in Indonesia in 1931.