Mon Jan 27 13:02:21 UTC 2025: ## WHO Calls for Renewed Focus on Leprosy Elimination on World Leprosy Day

**New Delhi, January 27, 2025** – The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global call to action on World Leprosy Day, urging governments to prioritize leprosy elimination and increase funding for surveillance, treatment, and support services. The appeal comes as the WHO highlights persistent challenges in combating the neglected tropical disease, despite significant progress in recent years.

While 2023 saw 56 countries report zero new cases, and Jordan achieved WHO verification for leprosy elimination, a total of 182,815 new cases were reported globally, with 95% concentrated in 23 high-priority countries. Alarmingly, over 5% of new cases presented with Grade 2 disability, indicating delayed detection. The WHO also noted that 5.6% of new cases were in children, with some countries reporting rates exceeding 30%, signifying ongoing transmission.

Saima Wazed, WHO South-East Asia Regional Director, emphasized the need to address the persistent stigma and misinformation surrounding leprosy, which leads to social isolation and discrimination. She highlighted the Global Leprosy Strategy 2021-2030, which aims for zero disease, disability, and stigma, as a framework for coordinated action.

The WHO’s appeal includes a call for governments to actively involve persons affected by leprosy in policy and decision-making, alongside increased funding and community-led efforts to combat stigma through education and inclusion. The organization believes that with collective, coordinated action, leprosy elimination is achievable.

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