WHO verifies Chile eliminated leprosy as a public health problem
📅 Published 07 Mar 2026 · March 2026
WHO verifies Chile eliminated leprosy as a public health problem
What happened: WHO/PAHO verified Chile’s elimination of leprosy as a public health problem — first in the Americas, second globally after Jordan. Chile is 61st country to eliminate at least one NTD.
Criteria (Prelims):
WHO threshold: prevalence <1 case per 10,000 population; transmission elimination: zero locally acquired cases for 3 consecutive years and no cases among children for 5 years (Global Leprosy Strategy 2021–2030).
Significance:
Model for NTD control and integrated public health systems.
Highlights need for surveillance, stigma reduction and rehabilitation services even after elimination.
One-line: Chile becomes first American country verified by WHO to eliminate leprosy as a public health problem.