Chile has become the first nation in the Americas to be officially verified for eliminating leprosy as a public health problem, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The milestone was announced jointly with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), marking a major achievement in global public health efforts.
Health authorities confirmed that Chile has not reported a locally transmitted case of leprosy for more than three decades. The last locally acquired case was detected in 1993, and since then the country has maintained strong disease monitoring and prevention systems.
Leprosy—also known as Hansen’s disease—is a chronic infectious illness caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. The disease mainly affects the skin, peripheral nerves, eyes and upper respiratory tract. If left untreated, it can lead to nerve damage, disability and social stigma. However, early diagnosis and multidrug therapy can fully cure the disease.
According to WHO officials, Chile’s achievement is the result of decades of consistent public health efforts. These included early detection programs, universal access to treatment, strong surveillance systems, and continuous training for healthcare workers. Even when cases became extremely rare, the country kept leprosy on its national health agenda through mandatory reporting and monitoring systems.
Between 2012 and 2023, Chile recorded 47 cases of leprosy, but none of them were locally transmitted. All cases were imported and were promptly treated within the country’s healthcare system, preventing further spread of the disease.
The recognition makes Chile the second country in the world to receive WHO verification for eliminating leprosy, after Jordan achieved the same status in 2024. Experts say the milestone demonstrates that sustained political commitment, effective health systems and free access to treatment can eliminate even ancient diseases that have affected humanity for centuries.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Chile’s success sends a strong message to other countries that eliminating neglected tropical diseases is achievable with long-term commitment, inclusive healthcare and strong surveillance systems.
Globally, leprosy remains a challenge in more than 120 countries, with over 200,000 new cases reported each year. Health organizations hope Chile’s success will encourage other nations in the Americas and around the world to intensify their efforts toward eliminating the disease.