GENEVA, March 5 (Bernama-dpa) – Chile has eliminated leprosy, becoming the second country in the world to eradicate the disease, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Wednesday, reported German news agency dpa.
The Geneva-based UN health agency congratulated the Chilean government and presented an official certificate recognising the milestone. Only Jordan had previously achieved the same status, in 2024.
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that can affect the skin and damage nerves. For decades, people with the illness were often ostracised in many societies, even though the bacteria spread only through prolonged close contact.
The disease is curable, but without treatment persistent inflammation and unnoticed injuries can lead to deformities of the limbs.
The WHO records about 200,000 new cases each year in more than 120 countries worldwide, mainly in South East Asia, Africa and South America.
Chile has recorded no local transmission of the disease since 1993, the WHO said. Measures contributing to the achievement included an early detection programme and universal access to medical care.
–BERNAMA-dpa