Health authorities across Africa are stepping up efforts to eliminate leprosy as thousands of new infections continue to be reported despite the availability of effective treatment.
According to the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, more than 19,000 new cases were recorded in the region in 2024, including infections among children — an indication that transmission of the disease remains active in several countries.
To accelerate progress, the WHO regional office in Brazzaville will host a working-level meeting focused on identifying obstacles to elimination and strengthening regional response strategies.
Health experts say delayed diagnosis remains one of the biggest challenges. Many patients seek medical care only after visible disabilities develop, reflecting persistent inequalities in access to healthcare services, information and social protection.
Beyond its medical impact, leprosy continues to carry significant social stigma in many communities. Misconceptions about the disease often lead to discrimination, social exclusion, loss of employment and barriers to education, even though people undergoing treatment are no longer contagious.
For the first time, all countries in the WHO African Region have submitted national data on leprosy cases, signalling stronger regional commitment to addressing the disease. Several countries have reported no cases among children for many years, while others are expanding community-based screening and integrating leprosy detection into broader skin disease programmes.
Dr. Dorothy Achu, head of the Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases Unit at WHO Africa, said eliminating leprosy is not only a public health priority but also a matter of protecting dignity and human rights.
The Brazzaville meeting will also serve as preparation for the upcoming Africa Zero Leprosy Conference, where health ministers are expected to commit to stronger national strategies aimed at ending the disease across the continent.
Source: Newstimehub
