Early detection a game-changer in the fight against leprosy in Madagascar

Ambatoboeny—In Madagascar, leprosy remains a major public health concern. Each year, between 1500 and 2000 new cases are reported, placing the country among the 23 priority countries for the World Health Organization (WHO) in the fight against leprosy. The disease remains endemic in 37 remote districts across 16 of the country’s 24 regions. In 2024, a total of 1713 new cases were recorded. Almost 350 people (20% of all cases) are living with permanent disabilities caused by leprosy, which indicates late diagnosis.