Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and is among the oldest diseases known to humanity. It primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves and, if left untreated, can lead to permanent disabilities, stigma and social exclusion. Despite its long history, the disease is fully curable through multidrug therapy (MDT).
While global elimination efforts have significantly reduced new cases in many regions, leprosy remains a public health concern. Of the 188 countries, areas or territories that submitted data to WHO in 2024, 55 reported zero cases. However, 172,717 new cases were still detected and reported worldwide during the same year.
WHO noted that partnerships with key stakeholders have played a critical role in progress made so far. Since 2000, the organisation has collaborated with pharmaceutical company Novartis to provide MDT and clofazimine free of charge to leprosy patients globally. The initiative is regarded as one of the longest-running pharmaceutical donation programmes in global health.
To mark 25 years of collaboration, WHO and Novartis have extended their Memorandum of Understanding for an additional five years, covering the period from 2026 to 2030. The renewed agreement ensures the continued supply of MDT and also includes funding for the procurement and distribution of single-dose rifampicin for post-exposure prophylaxis.
Dr Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care, described the partnership as fundamental to global progress against leprosy. He said sustained access to free treatment has transformed millions of lives and brought the world closer to eliminating the disease.
According to WHO, the availability of free MDT has helped cure patients, prevent disabilities, reduce stigma and allow affected individuals to continue working and living normal lives. Clofazimine has also been crucial in managing lepra reactions, severe inflammatory episodes that can lead to long-term disability if untreated.
Novartis President of Global Health, Dr Lutz Hegemann, said the fight against leprosy has long been part of the company’s history. He reaffirmed Novartis’ commitment to supporting WHO in the pursuit of a world free of leprosy.
Despite notable progress, WHO stressed that continued political commitment, community engagement and strong partnerships are necessary to sustain momentum. This year’s World Leprosy Day theme, “Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma,” highlights the persistent social barriers faced by those affected.
The occasion also marks the 25th anniversary of Mr Yohei Sasakawa’s role as WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination. He noted that stigma remains one of the most difficult challenges, often outlasting the disease itself and leading to discrimination, social exclusion and loss of opportunities for those cured but living with disabilities.
Leprosy is one of the diseases targeted under the broader Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) framework. WHO said ongoing efforts against leprosy contribute to the wider global campaign to eliminate NTDs, with World NTD Day set to be observed on 30 January 2026.