Turning national commitment into real progress against leprosy

Across Indonesia, leprosy remains a disease of inequality. Leprosy continues to affect thousands of people every year, with Indonesia reporting around 17 000 to 20 000 new cases annually, one of the highest totals in the world. Many cases are still found late, including among children, increasing the risk of lifelong disability. Distance, limited health services, weak reporting and stigma allow leprosy to persist.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has supported Indonesia to turn national commitments into practical action, starting from leadership and extending to frontline services. In Bali, political momentum was strengthened at the 2025 International Leprosy Congress, where mayors and regents from high-burden districts publicly committed to accelerate early detection, preventive treatment for close contacts, disability prevention and stigma reduction. These commitments were followed by high level-field visits to districts such as Sampang, Bekasi, Tangerang, Brebes and Jayapura, bringing national leaders, provincial authorities and partners directly to health workers and affected communities.