Challenging the stigma around leprosy

Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease that continues to occur in over 120 countries, with approximately 200 000 new cases recorded each year, according to WHO. Early diagnosis and immediate treatment with multidrug therapy (MDT) can substantially decrease the burden of leprosy, according to WHO. Since 1995, MDT became available (through WHO) free of cost to all patients across the world and over 17 million patients with leprosy received MDT in the past 40 years. In addition, WHO also recommends contact tracing and prophylactic treatment with single-dose rifampicin for contacts. Elimination of leprosy (defined as prevalence of below 1 case per 10 000 population) was reached globally in 2000. However, in 2024, Indonesia, Brazil and India reported over 10 000 new cases of leprosy; and twelve other countries (eg, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Ethiopia and Mozambique) reported 1000 to 10 000 new cases; 117 countries reported less than 1000 new cases; and 55 countries reported zero cases. In 2021, WHO released the Global Leprosy Strategy 2021–2030 “Towards zero leprosy”, which aims at interrupting leprosy transmission by 2030. The strategy envisioned zero leprosy, which includes zero discrimination and stigma, zero infection and disease, and zero disability. A March 2026 study points out that, “beyond medical cure, achieving the “Zero Leprosy” goals [demand] integrated actions that promote education, community engagement, and psychosocial support to reduce prejudice and promote social inclusion.”