The World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed the importance of access to treatment for leprosy ahead of World Leprosy Day on 25 January, highlighting ongoing efforts to eliminate the disease worldwide.

Leprosy, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves.

If untreated, it can lead to permanent disabilities, social stigma, and isolation. However, multidrug therapy (MDT) can cure the disease, prevent disabilities, and allow affected individuals to continue leading normal lives.

In 2024, of the 188 countries, areas or territories that submitted data, 55 reported zero cases. Globally, however, 172,717 new cases were detected, underscoring the need for continued vigilance.

WHO has partnered with Novartis since 2000 to provide free MDT and clofazimine to leprosy patients worldwide, marking 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 (MoU) for an additional five years (2026–2030), ensuring continued supply of MDT and funding for single-dose rifampicin (SDR) for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

“The unwavering commitment of partners like Novartis has been foundational to progress against leprosy,” said Dr. Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care. “Free access to treatment has transformed millions of lives and moved us closer to a world free from this ancient disease.”

Dr. Lutz Hegemann, President of Global Health at Novartis, noted: “Over the last 25 years, we have reached millions of patients together with WHO and remain committed to pursuing our vision of a world free of leprosy.”

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of Mr. Yohei Sasakawa’s work as WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination.

He highlighted that stigma remains one of the most persistent challenges, affecting people even after they are cured, with consequences including discrimination, lost educational opportunities, and social exclusion.

The theme for this year’s World Leprosy Day is: “Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma.” The campaign also aligns with broader global efforts to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), with World NTD Day observed on 30 January 2026.