The World Health Organization (WHO) congratulated the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for becoming the first country in the world to be officially verified as having eliminated leprosy.
This significant milestone marks a new era in global public health efforts. Jordan has not reported any autochthonous cases of leprosy for over two decades.
The WHO director general said that the fight against leprosy around the world is more than a fight against a disease. It is also a fight against stigma, and a fight against psychological and socio-economic harm.
About Leprosy
Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae.
It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract and eyes.
Left untreated, leprosy can cause permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes.
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent disability.
Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) which still occurs in more than 120 countries. More than 200 000 new cases are reported every year.
