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Chile Eradicates Leprosy: A Global First!
10 Mar
Summary
- Chile is the first country in the Americas to eliminate leprosy.
- WHO verified elimination after zero local cases since 1993.
- Sustained public health efforts and respectful care were key.
Chile has officially eliminated leprosy, a significant public health achievement recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). This milestone marks Chile as the first country in the Americas and second globally to reach this status, with no locally transmitted cases reported since 1993.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO's director-general, praised Chile's leadership and solidarity, stating that sustained commitment, inclusive health services, and early detection can consign ancient diseases to history. Leprosy, or Hansen's disease, was historically present in Chile, particularly on Easter Island, but was effectively contained through isolation and treatment.
Chile's robust health system, with primary care clinics acting as the first point of contact and dermatology specialists providing diagnosis and treatment, was instrumental. Health officials also emphasized providing respectful care to reduce the stigma associated with the disease. Free multidrug therapy, supported by WHO, PAHO, The Nippon Foundation, and Novartis, has been available since 1995.
Despite this achievement, continuous monitoring and surveillance are recommended. Worldwide, over 200,000 new leprosy cases are reported annually, predominantly in tropical regions. Chile's success demonstrates the global achievability of eliminating neglected tropical diseases.
