The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the critical importance of access to leprosy treatment as part of global efforts to eliminate the disease, ahead of World Leprosy Day on 25 January. Leprosy, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent disabilities and social stigma, but it is curable with multidrug therapy (MDT).
Global efforts have contributed to reductions in new cases, with 55 out of 188 reporting areas recording zero cases in 2024. Nevertheless, WHO reported 172,717 new cases worldwide that year, highlighting the ongoing need for sustained intervention. Partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, particularly Novartis, have been essential. Since 2000, WHO and Novartis have collaborated to provide free MDT and clofazimine to all leprosy patients, forming one of the longest-running pharmaceutical donation programs in global health.
Marking 25 years of collaboration, WHO and Novartis have extended their Memorandum of Understanding for 2026–2030. This extension ensures continued supply of MDT and includes funding for single-dose rifampicin for post-exposure prophylaxis. Dr. Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General, underscored that this sustained partnership has transformed millions of lives, prevented disabilities, mitigated stigma, and brought the world closer to eliminating this ancient disease.
The availability of free MDT and clofazimine has allowed patients to undergo effective treatment, manage lepra reactions, and continue normal lives and work. Dr. Lutz Hegemann, President of Global Health at Novartis, highlighted the commitment of the company to advancing towards a leprosy-free world, noting the impact of this 25-year collaboration.
Despite progress, WHO stresses that political commitment, community engagement, and continued partnerships remain essential to maintain momentum. This year’s World Leprosy Day theme, “Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma,” highlights the social barriers that persist even after treatment. WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, Yohei Sasakawa, noted that stigma often exceeds the disease itself, affecting people with residual disabilities through discrimination in marriage, education, and employment.
As leprosy is classified among Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), these efforts also contribute to the global goal of eliminating NTDs. WHO encourages collective action and public engagement, including participation in the World NTD Day campaign on 30 January 2026.
