A man down with leprosy disease. Leprosy is curable
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), have congratulated Chile for becoming the first country in the Americas to be officially verified as having eliminated leprosy disease.
Leprosy (Hansen disease) was historically recorded in Chile at the end of the 19th century on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). The disease was limited in mainland Chile, with sporadic introductions, contained through isolation and treatment measures in the Island, where the last secondary cases were managed by the late 1990s.
Since then, Chile has not reported any locally acquired case of leprosy for more than 30 years, with the last locally acquired case detected in 1993, WHO said.
However, the disease was never removed from the country’s public health agenda; it has remained a notifiable condition, monitored through mandatory reporting, integrated surveillance, and continuous clinical readiness across the health system.
“This landmark public health achievement is a powerful testament to what leadership, science, and solidarity can accomplish,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Chile’s elimination of leprosy sends a clear message to the world: with sustained commitment, inclusive health services, integrated public health strategies, early detection and universal access to care, we can consign ancient diseases to history.”
“Chile’s achievement demonstrates that eliminating leprosy is achievable and requires building strong systems that can detect, respond to, and provide comprehensive care for people affected by the disease, including those living with chronic disabilities,” said PAHO Director Dr Jarbas Barbosa. “Being the first country in the Americas to be confirmed as eliminating leprosy sends a powerful message to the Region – that diseases strongly linked to groups living in vulnerable conditions can be eliminated, contributing to interrupt the vicious circle between disease and poverty.”
According to WHO, at the request of Chile’s Ministry of Health, PAHO and WHO convened an independent expert panel in 2025 to assess whether elimination had been achieved and could be sustained over time.
The panel conducted a thorough assessment, reviewing epidemiological data, surveillance mechanisms, case management protocols, and sustainability plans. Its findings confirmed the absence of local transmission and validated Chile’s capacity to detect and respond to future cases occurring among the non-autochthonous population.
“This is very good news and a source of great pride for our country. Chile has received verification of the elimination of leprosy disease, becoming the first country in the Americas and the second globally to achieve this recognition,” said Ximena Aguilera, Chile’s Minister of Health. “This milestone reflects decades of sustained public health efforts, including prevention strategies, early diagnosis, effective treatment, continuous follow-up, and the commitment of health teams across the country. It also reaffirms our responsibility to maintain active surveillance and ensure respectful, stigma-free care for all.”
Chile's achievement in eliminating leprosy is indeed noteworthy and commendable. It is a testament to its robust public health system and decades-long commitment to disease control.
After a careful study of the Chile's Public health system, I found the following reasons that contributed to its success in eliminating the leprosy disease:
Key Factors Behind Chile's Success
- 1. Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Rapid detection and access to multidrug therapy helped prevent further transmission.
- 2. Strong Public Health Systems: Integrated healthcare services ensured even remote communities had access to treatment and follow-up care.
- 3. Global Partnerships: International collaborations, including programmes led by WHO and PAHO, provided technical guidance and access to free treatment.
- 4. Continuous Surveillance: Health authorities maintained strict reporting systems and monitoring even when cases became extremely rare.
- 5. Mandatory Reporting: Leprosy remained a notifiable condition, ensuring healthcare providers reported suspected cases.
- 6. Integrated Healthcare: Primary care centers served as entry points for suspected cases, with timely referrals to specialized dermatology services.
- 7. Trained Healthcare Workers: Clinicians received training aligned with WHO's Towards zero leprosy strategy.
- 8. Access to Multidrug Therapy: Free treatment provided by WHO and PAHO helped cure patients and prevent disability.
- 9. Sustained Political Commitment: Decades-long commitment to public health efforts and disease control.
- 10. Robust Surveillance Mechanisms: Effective surveillance systems detected and responded to cases.
- 11. Holistic Care: Focus on disability prevention, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation services.
- 12. Community Engagement: Strong community involvement and awareness.
- 13. International Standards: Surveillance aligned with international standards.
- 14. Laboratory Capacity: Strengthened laboratory capacity supported diagnosis and treatment.
- 15. Referral System: Formal designation of referral centers ensured expert care.
- 16. Training and Capacity Building: WHO Academy's online training supported health workers.
- 17. Human Rights Framework: National legislation protected human rights and promoted inclusion.
- 18. Social Protection: Guaranteed access to healthcare, social protection, and disability services.
- 19. Stigma Reduction: Efforts to reduce stigma and promote social inclusion.
- 20. Long-term Commitment: Sustained efforts over decades led to elimination.
Approximately, 200,000 new cases of leprosy are reported worldwide every year, according to data from WHO and the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC).
With this statistics, Chile's achievement remains a case study. It demonstrates that leprosy elimination is possible with sustained commitment, strong healthcare systems, and global partnerships.
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