By Otobong Gabriel
As the world marks World Leprosy Day 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized that while leprosy is curable, the ongoing stigma and discrimination faced by those affected remain the biggest challenge.
Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge of WHO South-East Asia, stated that leprosy, one of humanity’s oldest diseases, continues to deny people dignity, opportunity, and basic rights, even as medical interventions make elimination increasingly achievable.
“The global vision of zero disease, zero disability, and zero stigma is closer to reality than ever before,” Dr. Boehme said. She highlighted Jordan’s achievement in 2024, becoming the first country verified by WHO for eliminating leprosy, a success largely attributed to making leprosy a notifiable disease, which ensured timely diagnosis and treatment.
Globally, leprosy surveillance has reached unprecedented levels. In 2024, 188 countries and territories reported leprosy data to WHO, with 55 countries reporting zero new cases.
Multi-drug therapy and early interventions like contact screening have made leprosy curable, while preventive measures, including single-dose rifampicin as post-exposure prophylaxis, are being scaled up worldwide.
Digital tools, such as DHIS2-based solutions, are improving patient management and program monitoring.
Despite these advances, stigma and social exclusion remain critical barriers.
Discrimination prevents patients from seeking care, adhering to treatment, and participating fully in society. Families of affected individuals also face marginalization, compounding mental health challenges.
Many countries still maintain discriminatory laws limiting employment, education, and marriage for persons affected by leprosy.
The WHO urges governments, communities, and partners to uphold the UN Principles and Guidelines for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy, adopted in 2010, ensuring affected individuals enjoy full rights and protections.
Dr. Boehme emphasized that true elimination goes beyond zero new cases. It requires access to comprehensive care, rehabilitation, social protection, and economic opportunities, alongside repealing discriminatory laws and involving affected persons in policy and program design.
On this World Leprosy Day, WHO calls for continued government commitment, community engagement to fight stigma, and innovation in diagnostics, treatment, and prevention to address both medical and social challenges.
“With collective action and sustained commitment, a world free from leprosy is within reach,” Dr. Boehme concluded.
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