- Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia
Leprosy, one of the oldest diseases known to mankind, continues to be associated with lifelong stigma, discrimination, and exclusion. The World Leprosy Day this year draws attention to “Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma.” While the medical burden is diminishing, the social consequence of leprosy remains unacceptably high, denying people dignity, opportunity, and fundamental rights.
The global vision of a world with zero disease, zero disability, and zero stigma and discrimination remains unwavering. Encouragingly, this vision of zero disease and zero disability is closer to reality than ever before.
In 2024, Jordan became the first country to be verified and acknowledged by the WHO for eliminating leprosy disease, demonstrating what is achievable through sustained commitment. Making leprosy a notifiable disease was key to Jordan’s success, ensuring timely diagnosis and prompt treatment.
In 2024, 188 countries and territories reported leprosy data to WHO — the most comprehensive surveillance coverage to date. Among these, 55 countries reported zero new case.
The multi-drug therapy has transformed leprosy into a curable disease. Early interventions such as contact screening ensure disability prevention through timely detection. Preventive measures are being scaled up globally with donor support, for single-dose rifampicin as post-exposure prophylaxis.
Digital tools, including DHIS2-based solutions, enhance epidemiological surveillance and individual case management, enabling data-driven programmatic decisions and better care and support for patients.
However, despite the medical advances, the social dimension of leprosy remains largely neglected. Stigma and discrimination persist, preventing people from seeking care and adhering to treatment. Social isolation affects not only those with leprosy, but also their families, leading to marginalization and significant mental health challenges. Discriminatory laws still exist in many countries, denying the leprosy affected their rights to employment, education, marriage and societal participation.
The UN Principles and Guidelines for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy and their Family Members, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2010, establishes international human rights standards for all those affected by the disease. It is incumbent upon us all to ensure that they enjoy the full protection of these rights.
As we strive towards elimination of leprosy, under the ‘Roadmap for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030’ we must remember that true elimination extends beyond achieving zero new cases. It requires creating an enabling environment where persons affected can access the full continuum of care and support, without fear of discrimination. It means ensuring rehabilitation services, social protection, and economic opportunities, and the repeal of discriminatory laws and practices. For this, it is critical to include the leprosy affected persons for policy development, programme design, and decision-making.
On the World Leprosy Day 2026, we call on governments for their continued commitment to eliminate leprosy, communities to combat stigma and partners for developing improved diagnostics, newer treatment regimens, better prophylaxis and innovations that address both medical and social challenges.
Through our collective efforts and commitment, a world free from leprosy is within reach.