Chile Eliminates Leprosy: First in Americas, Second Globally | WHO & PAHO Report
Chile has achieved a historic public health milestone, becoming the first country in the Americas – and only the second globally – to be officially verified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating leprosy as a public health problem. The announcement, made on , marks a significant victory in global disease control efforts.
Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory tract mucosa and eyes. Historically recorded in Chile at the end of the 19th century on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), the disease was largely contained through isolation and treatment measures on the island. While sporadic cases appeared on the mainland, they were effectively managed.
The last locally acquired case of leprosy in Chile was detected in . However, unlike some nations that relaxed surveillance after cases became rare, Chile maintained leprosy as a notifiable condition, continuously monitoring for potential re-emergence through mandatory reporting, integrated surveillance, and ongoing clinical readiness. This sustained vigilance proved crucial to the verification process.
“This landmark public health achievement is a powerful testament to what leadership, science, and solidarity can accomplish,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Chile’s elimination of leprosy sends a clear message to the world: with sustained commitment, inclusive health services, integrated public health strategies, early detection and universal access to care, we can consign ancient diseases to history.”
The WHO verification followed a rigorous evaluation conducted by an independent panel of experts from the WHO and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) at the request of Chile’s Ministry of Health. The panel reviewed epidemiological data, surveillance mechanisms, and case management systems, confirming the interruption of local transmission and Chile’s capacity to respond to imported cases.
Chile joins Jordan as the only two countries worldwide to have achieved this status, with Jordan receiving verification in . PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa emphasized the broader implications of Chile’s success, stating that it “demonstrates that eliminating leprosy is achievable and requires building strong systems that can detect, respond to, and provide comprehensive care for people affected by the disease, including those living with chronic disabilities.” He further noted that the achievement highlights the possibility of eliminating diseases linked to vulnerable populations, breaking the cycle between disease and poverty.
Sustained Surveillance and Comprehensive Care
Between and , Chile reported 47 cases of leprosy nationwide, but crucially, none were locally acquired. This underscores the effectiveness of the country’s surveillance system and its ability to quickly identify and treat imported cases, preventing re-establishment of local transmission.
Chile’s integrated model of care ensures early detection and comprehensive treatment. Primary care centers serve as the initial point of contact for suspected cases, facilitating timely referrals to specialized dermatology services for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Clinicians receive ongoing training aligned with the WHO’s “Towards zero leprosy” strategy, focusing on early intervention, disability prevention, and holistic care, including physiotherapy and rehabilitation services. This ensures that individuals affected by leprosy receive continuous support for both acute and long-term health needs, promoting full recovery and social inclusion.
A Regional Milestone and Continued Vigilance
Chile’s accomplishment serves as a model for other nations in the Americas, demonstrating the impact of strong political will, cross-sector collaboration, and adaptive planning, even in settings with low disease incidence. PAHO has played a critical role in this success, ensuring uninterrupted access to multidrug therapy (MDT) for countries in the Americas since , supported by The Nippon Foundation () and Novartis (since ).
PAHO has also supported Chile in strengthening its surveillance systems, enhancing laboratory capacity, and maintaining clinical expertise, recognizing that in low-incidence contexts, many healthcare professionals may have limited experience with the disease. This ongoing support is vital for sustaining the gains achieved.
Chile’s success has been achieved within a legal and social framework that protects human rights, promotes inclusion, and prevents discrimination. National legislation guarantees equal access to healthcare, social protection, and disability services, ensuring that individuals affected by leprosy receive care without stigma or exclusion. The country’s mixed public–private health system, with robust regulatory oversight, further strengthens equitable access, including for migrants and other vulnerable populations.
Looking ahead, Chile is committed to maintaining sensitive surveillance, reporting to the WHO, and ensuring that clinical expertise is retained for future sporadic cases and imported infections. The verification panel recommended formally designating a referral center and leveraging online training resources from the WHO Academy to strengthen long-term capacity and preparedness.
As outlined in the WHO’s “Towards zero leprosy” strategy and PAHO’s Disease Elimination Initiative, elimination is not simply the absence of disease, but a sustained health system capable of detecting, responding to, and providing holistic care whenever a case arises. Chile’s experience exemplifies this approach.
Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory tract mucosa, and eyes. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent nerve damage, disabilities, and social stigma. However, leprosy is fully curable with multidrug therapy, and early detection prevents complications. It remains a neglected tropical disease affecting over 120 countries, with more than 200,000 new cases reported annually worldwide.
PAHO’s Disease Elimination Initiative aims to eliminate leprosy and other communicable diseases in the Americas by , through strengthened surveillance, access to treatment, and community engagement. Chile’s achievement brings this goal closer to reality.