The announcement was made on Wednesday by the World Health Organization, which described the achievement as a landmark moment for public health and a powerful demonstration of what sustained political commitment, strong health systems and scientific progress can accomplish.
Chile is only the second country in the world to receive this verification. The first was Jordan, which was certified as having eliminated the disease in September 2024.
According to the World Health Organization, Chile’s success is the result of decades of coordinated public health efforts aimed at preventing transmission, improving access to treatment and ensuring early diagnosis. Health authorities strengthened disease surveillance systems, expanded testing and provided timely medical care to patients in order to stop the disease from spreading.
These measures were supported by continuous patient monitoring and follow up, which helped health services detect potential cases quickly and prevent further infections. Public awareness campaigns and improved training for healthcare workers also played a role in ensuring that symptoms were identified early and treated effectively.
Leprosy, also known medically as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by bacteria that primarily affect the skin, peripheral nerves and eyes. While it is curable with modern multidrug therapy, untreated cases can lead to permanent nerve damage, disability and social stigma.
Globally, cases of leprosy have declined significantly over the past several decades due to improved treatments and expanded disease control programmes. However, the disease still exists in several regions, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization, praised Chile’s achievement and said it sends a strong message to other countries still working to eliminate the disease.
“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,” he said.
Health experts say Chile’s success demonstrates the importance of long term investment in public health systems and the need for coordinated strategies that combine prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
While the verification represents a major step forward, the World Health Organization continues to encourage countries to remain vigilant. Maintaining strong surveillance and healthcare access is essential to prevent the disease from re-emerging.
For Chile, the certification represents not only a national achievement but also a significant contribution to global health efforts aimed at eventually eliminating leprosy worldwide.
Photo by aboodi vesakaran from Pexels