On 26 January, World Leprosy Day is observed, an important occasion to draw attention to an ancient yet persistent disease that continues to affect thousands of people every year, especially in low-income Countries. According to WHO data, in 2024 there were 172,717 new cases of leprosy worldwide, representing a 5.5% decrease compared to 2023 (182,815 cases). This is an encouraging figure following the increases observed in 2022 and 2023, although the overall trend has remained largely stable in recent years, apart from the decline recorded in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On average, a new case is still diagnosed every two minutes. In addition, it is estimated that more than 3 million people worldwide, despite having completed treatment, live with permanent disabilities caused by the disease. Indeed, although leprosy is now curable, it remains strongly associated with social stigma, discrimination, and exclusion, which worsen patients’ living conditions and hinder access to care. Although leprosy is now curable, it remains strongly associated with social stigma, discrimination, and exclusion, which worsen patients’ living conditions and hinder their access to healthcare.
The Day aims to raise public awareness and institutions of the need to strengthen healthcare interventions, ensure early diagnosis, guarantee adequate treatment, and promote social reintegration programmes for those affected. Greater attention is also required in terms of financial resources and international cooperation, which are essential to support local healthcare systems, research, and prevention activities.
Investing in the fight against leprosy means not only combating the spread of the disease, but also safeguarding the human rights of patients by combating prejudice and inequalities that still compromise their dignity. World Leprosy Day therefore represents a moment for collective reflection on the urgency of sustained and shared commitment by the international community.
References
Organizzazione Mondiale della Sanità (OMS). Leprosy.
