The World Health Organization (WHO) has congratulated Jordan for becoming the first country in the world to be officially verified as having eliminated leprosy. This significant milestone marks a new era in global public health efforts.
“Leprosy has afflicted humanity for millennia, but country-by-country we are stopping transmission and freeing individuals, families, and communities from its suffering and stigma,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Jordan’s elimination of leprosy is a testament to its strong political commitment and effective public health strategies. The country has not reported any autochthonous cases of leprosy for over two decades.
After an extensive review, an independent verification team recommended that WHO acknowledge Jordan’s achievement. “Jordan’s elimination of leprosy is an achievement that will transform the discourse around this age-old, stigmatizing disease,” said WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr. Hanan Balkhy.
Jordan’s success was made possible through strong political commitment, effective public health strategies, and global collaboration. The country’s leadership played a crucial role in eliminating leprosy, and its health ministry implemented robust surveillance systems to detect and manage potential cases.
WHO’s technical support and collaboration with Jordan’s Ministry of Health were instrumental in achieving this milestone. “Jordan’s journey highlights the power of sustained efforts in public health and the potential of global collaboration to overcome even the most challenging public health issues,” said WHO Representative to Jordan Dr. Jamela Al-Raiby.
Jordan’s achievement serves as an inspiration to other countries, encouraging them to enhance their efforts and overcome barriers to achieve this remarkable feat. However, the WHO and Ministry of Health emphasize the importance of maintaining robust surveillance systems to detect and manage future potential cases without discrimination.
“WHO congratulates Jordan on this impressive milestone,” Dr. Tedros added. “The fight against leprosy around the world is more than a fight against a disease. It is also a fight against stigma, and a fight against psychological and socio-economic harm.”
WHO/Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
