Chile Eliminates Leprosy: First in Americas, Second Globally | WHO & PAHO Report

Chile has achieved a landmark public health milestone, becoming the first country in the Americas – and only the second globally, after Jordan – to be officially verified as having eliminated leprosy. The announcement, made jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), marks a significant victory in the global effort to eradicate this ancient, stigmatizing disease.

A History of Vigilance on Rapa Nui and Beyond

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, has a recorded history in Chile dating back to the late 19th century, initially concentrated on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). While limited on the mainland, sporadic introductions were contained through isolation and treatment measures, particularly on the island where the last secondary cases were managed by the late 1990s. Since 1993, Chile has reported no locally acquired cases of leprosy, a period exceeding 30 years. However, the country maintained leprosy as a notifiable condition, continuously monitoring for potential re-emergence through mandatory reporting, integrated surveillance, and ongoing clinical preparedness.

This sustained commitment, even in the absence of local transmission, proved crucial. As PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa noted, Chile’s success “demonstrates that eliminating leprosy is achievable and requires building strong systems that can detect, respond to, and provide comprehensive care for people affected by the disease, including those living with chronic disabilities.”

What Does ‘Elimination’ Signify?

Elimination, in the context of leprosy, doesn’t necessarily mean the complete absence of the disease. Rather, it signifies that local transmission has been interrupted and that the country has the capacity to detect and respond to any imported cases. Chile’s integrated model for leprosy control is a key factor in this achievement. Primary care centers act as the first point of contact for suspected cases, facilitating timely referrals to specialized dermatology services for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Clinicians receive ongoing training aligned with the WHO’s Towards zero leprosy strategy, emphasizing early intervention, disability prevention, and holistic care, including physiotherapy, and rehabilitation.

Between 2012 and 2023, Chile reported 47 cases of leprosy nationwide, but crucially, none were locally acquired. This underscores the effectiveness of the country’s surveillance and response systems.

A Rigorous Verification Process

The WHO and PAHO verification process was thorough. At the request of Chile’s Ministry of Health, an independent expert panel convened in 2025 to assess whether elimination had been achieved and could be sustained. The panel reviewed epidemiological data, surveillance mechanisms, case management protocols, and long-term sustainability plans. Their findings confirmed the absence of local transmission and validated Chile’s ability to manage future cases, particularly those acquired outside the country.

Beyond Chile: A Regional Milestone

Chile’s accomplishment is not just a national triumph. it’s a beacon for the entire Region of the Americas. “Being the first country in the Americas to be confirmed as eliminating leprosy sends a powerful message to the Region – that diseases strongly linked to groups living in vulnerable conditions can be eliminated, contributing to interrupt the vicious circle between disease and poverty,” Dr. Barbosa explained. Chile joins Jordan as the only two countries globally to have achieved this milestone, demonstrating that sustained political commitment, cross-sector collaboration, and adaptive planning can yield remarkable results, even in low-incidence settings.

PAHO has played a vital role in supporting this progress, providing multidrug therapy (MDT) free of charge to countries in the Americas, including Chile, since 1995. This uninterrupted access to treatment, combined with robust national supply systems, has been essential for curing patients, preventing disability, and halting transmission. PAHO has also assisted Chile in aligning its surveillance with international standards, strengthening laboratory capacity, and maintaining clinical expertise, even in a context where healthcare professionals may rarely encounter cases.

Addressing Social Determinants and Ensuring Equitable Access

Chile’s success is also rooted in a broader legal and social framework that protects human rights, promotes inclusion, and prevents discrimination. National legislation guarantees equal access to healthcare, social protection, and disability services, ensuring that individuals affected by leprosy receive care without stigma or exclusion. The country’s mixed public-private health system, coupled with strong regulatory oversight, further strengthens equitable access, including for migrants and other vulnerable populations.

Sustaining the Gains and Looking Ahead

Elimination is not a static endpoint, but rather a sustained state of vigilance. Aligned with the WHO’s Towards zero leprosy strategy and PAHO’s Disease Elimination Initiative, Chile’s experience demonstrates that a robust health system capable of detecting, responding to, and providing holistic care is paramount. Moving forward, Chile is encouraged to continue reporting to the WHO, maintain sensitive surveillance systems, and ensure that clinical expertise is retained for sporadic cases and imported infections.

The verification panel also recommended formally designating a referral center and leveraging the WHO Academy’s online training resources for health workers and staff, bolstering long-term capacity and preparedness. As WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized, Chile’s achievement “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.”

Ongoing Surveillance and Preparedness: Chile will continue to monitor for leprosy cases, particularly among travelers and migrants, and maintain the capacity to respond quickly to any outbreaks. This includes ongoing training for healthcare professionals and maintaining a robust surveillance system.