Chile Eliminates Leprosy, First in Americas Verified by WHO

Chile has become the first country in the Americas to be officially verified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating leprosy as a public health problem. The recognition follows more than three decades without locally transmitted cases, marking a major milestone in global disease control efforts. Chile’s last locally acquired case of the disease was recorded in 1993.

The verification reflects sustained public health surveillance, early diagnosis and long-term commitment by the country’s health system. Health authorities continued monitoring the disease even after cases became rare, ensuring that any imported infections could be quickly detected and treated.

WHO Verification and Global Recognition

The certification was granted after a rigorous evaluation conducted by an independent panel of experts from the WHO and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). At the request of Chile’s Ministry of Health, experts reviewed the country’s epidemiological data, surveillance mechanisms and case management systems.

The review confirmed that Chile had successfully interrupted local transmission and maintained the capacity to detect and respond to imported cases. This verification makes Chile the “second country globally to receive WHO confirmation for eliminating leprosy”, following Jordan, which achieved the status in 2024.

Understanding Leprosy and Its Health Effects

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium “Mycobacterium leprae”. The disease primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, eyes and respiratory mucosa.

The disease progresses slowly and has a long incubation period, often around five years, although symptoms may appear after decades. Common symptoms include skin lesions, numbness in affected areas, nerve damage, muscle weakness and eye complications. If untreated, it can cause permanent disabilities and severe nerve damage.

However, leprosy is “fully curable through multidrug therapy (MDT)”, which combines antibiotics such as rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine. Since the 1980s, this treatment has significantly reduced the global burden of the disease.

Global Progress Against a Neglected Tropical Disease

Leprosy is classified as one of the “Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)” that mainly affect vulnerable populations in low-income regions. Global control efforts have significantly reduced the disease burden over the past decades.

According to the WHO, “172,717 new leprosy cases were reported worldwide in 2024”, indicating that the disease still persists in several parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America. Challenges such as delayed diagnosis, stigma and weak surveillance systems continue to hinder elimination efforts in some regions.

Important Facts for Exams

• Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is caused by the bacterium “Mycobacterium leprae”.
• The disease is classified among the World Health Organization’s Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
• Multidrug therapy (MDT) using antibiotics such as rifampicin and dapsone is the standard treatment.
• The WHO Global Leprosy Strategy 2021–2030 aims to interrupt transmission and reduce disabilities caused by the disease.

Key Factors Behind Chile’s Success

Chile’s achievement is attributed to sustained investment in public health systems and long-term disease surveillance. The country maintained strict reporting mechanisms even after cases became extremely rare, ensuring that healthcare providers remained alert to possible infections.

Early diagnosis, universal access to treatment and integrated healthcare services helped prevent transmission. International collaboration, including programmes led by WHO and PAHO, also played a key role in strengthening monitoring and treatment systems. The milestone highlights how consistent public health commitment and strong healthcare infrastructure can eliminate even long-standing infectious diseases.