The World Health Organization (WHO) has renewed its commitment to achieving a leprosy-free world as it prepares for World Leprosy Day on January 25, 2024. Access to effective treatment is crucial in global efforts to eliminate leprosy, an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. This disease primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves, and if left untreated, can result in permanent disabilities and significant social stigma.
Despite progress in reducing new cases—55 out of 188 reporting countries reported zero cases in 2024—172,717 new leprosy cases were still detected worldwide. The WHO emphasizes that multidrug therapy (MDT) can cure leprosy, highlighting the importance of continued efforts to make treatment accessible.
Partnerships Driving Progress
Collaboration has played a vital role in the fight against leprosy, with organizations like Novartis significantly contributing to these efforts. Since 2000, WHO and Novartis have partnered to provide MDT and clofazimine at no cost to all leprosy patients globally. This collaboration recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with an extension of their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for an additional five years, running from 2026 to 2030. The renewed agreement includes ongoing supply of MDT and funding for the procurement of single dose rifampicin (SDR) for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Dr. Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, and Care, noted, “The unwavering commitment of partners like Novartis over the past quarter-century has been foundational to the progress made against leprosy.” He emphasized that this collaboration exemplifies the power of global solidarity in healthcare, stating, “Together, we can overcome even the oldest and most entrenched health challenges.”
Challenges Beyond Treatment
While the availability of free MDT has been transformative for many, persistent stigma remains a significant barrier to full eradication. The theme for this year’s World Leprosy Day is “Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma.” Dr. Lutz Hegemann, President of Global Health at Novartis, expressed the company’s long-standing commitment, stating, “Over the last 25 years, we have reached millions of patients together with WHO, and we are committed to going further to pursue our vision of a world free of leprosy.”
Additionally, Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, highlighted the ongoing social stigma associated with leprosy. He pointed out that for many individuals, the stigma can be more debilitating than the disease itself. Those left with residual disabilities often face discrimination, including forced divorce and lost educational opportunities.
As leprosy is classified as one of the target diseases under the broader initiative of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), the WHO and its partners continue to work towards a unified goal of eliminating NTDs. The global community is urged to support these efforts and participate in the upcoming campaign for World NTD Day on January 30, 2026.
The fight against leprosy highlights the importance of political commitment, community involvement, and sustained partnerships to ensure that progress is not only made but also maintained. As the world prepares for World Leprosy Day, the message remains clear: leprosy is curable, and the focus must shift towards addressing the stigma that continues to hinder the lives of those affected.
