The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have officially verified that Chile has eliminated leprosy (Hansen’s disease) as a public health problem.
Chile has become:
- First country in the Americas to achieve this milestone
- Second country globally, after Jordan, to be verified as having eliminated the disease.
The achievement reflects over three decades of sustained public health vigilance and disease surveillance.
Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
| Country | Chile |
| Verified by | WHO and PAHO |
| Global Rank | Second country globally |
| First in Region | First country in the Americas |
| Local Transmission | No locally acquired cases for over 30 years |
Chile maintained continuous surveillance and reporting systems, even when no local transmission was recorded.
Verification Process
At the request of Chile’s Ministry of Health, WHO and PAHO convened an independent expert panel in 2025 to evaluate the country’s elimination status.
The panel reviewed
- Epidemiological data
- Disease surveillance systems
- Case detection mechanisms
- Treatment protocols
- Long-term sustainability plans
The assessment confirmed:
- No local transmission of leprosy
- Strong health system readiness to detect and manage future cases
Public Health Measures Behind the Success
Chile’s elimination of leprosy resulted from long-term public health strategies.
Key Actions
- Mandatory reporting of leprosy cases
- Integrated disease surveillance systems
- Continuous clinical readiness in healthcare facilities
- Sustained political commitment
- Long-term monitoring even without local cases
These efforts ensured early detection and rapid response to imported cases.
About Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease)
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae.
It mainly affects:
- Skin
- Peripheral nerves
- Upper respiratory tract
- Eyes
Key Features of Leprosy
| Feature | Description |
| Transmission | Through droplets from nose and mouth during close contact with untreated cases |
| Infectivity | Not highly contagious |
| Incubation Period | Average 5 years, can extend up to 20 years |
| Symptoms | Skin patches with loss of sensation, muscle weakness, nerve damage |
Treatment
Leprosy is fully curable through Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT).
MDT Drugs
| Drug | Purpose |
| Rifampicin | Bactericidal antibiotic |
| Dapsone | Antimicrobial agent |
| Clofazimine | Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial |
- The WHO has provided MDT free of cost globally since the 1980s.
- Early treatment prevents disabilities and complications.
Global Scenario
Despite major progress, leprosy still persists in many regions.
| Indicator | Data |
| Countries reporting cases | Over 120 countries |
| Annual global cases | More than 200,000 new cases |
| Disease Category | Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) |
Global public health programmes focus on early detection, treatment, and stigma reduction.
History of Leprosy in Chile
Leprosy was historically recorded in Chile in late 19th century.
Major Location
- The disease was mainly reported on Rapa Nui.
- Strict isolation and treatment measures limited the spread, and the last secondary cases were managed by the late 1990s.
- Mainland Chile experienced only sporadic introductions, which were effectively contained.
About Chile
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Western South America |
| Geography | Long narrow strip between the Andes Mountains and Pacific Ocean |
| Borders | Peru, Bolivia, Argentina |
| Capital | Santiago |
Chile is notable for its extreme geographic diversity.
Key Geographic Features
- Atacama Desert – Driest non-polar desert on Earth
- Central Valley – Major agricultural and population centre
- Southern Chile – Fjords, glaciers, and alpine landscapes
- Insular Territories – Includes Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and the Juan Fernández Archipelago
Chile is also the first South American member of the OECD.
Significance
- Demonstrates the effectiveness of long-term disease surveillance systems.
- Shows the importance of continued monitoring even after cases decline.
- Provides a model for other countries aiming to eliminate neglected tropical diseases.
- Reinforces the importance of political commitment and strong health systems.