WHO urges increased access to leprosy treatment to accelerate global elimination

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for expanded access to treatment to speed up global efforts to eliminate leprosy, one of humanity’s oldest infectious diseases.

Leprosy, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves. If untreated, it can cause permanent disabilities, stigma, and social isolation. However, it is curable through multidrug therapy (MDT).

In a message marking World Leprosy Day 2026, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care, Dr Jeremy Farrar, noted that elimination efforts have reduced new cases in many regions. Of the 188 countries, areas, or territories that submitted data in 2024, 55 reported zero cases. Nonetheless, 172,717 new cases were detected and reported worldwide that year.