Chile becomes first country in the Americas to eliminate leprosy, WHO confirms

CHILE—The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have officially recognized Chile as the first country in the Americas—and only the second globally—to eliminate leprosy disease, marking a historic public health achievement.

Historical records show that leprosy, also known as Hansen disease, first appeared in Chile at the end of the 19th century on Rapa Nui, commonly known as Easter Island.

The disease remained largely confined to this remote location, with only sporadic cases appearing on mainland Chile.

Health authorities contained the outbreak through isolation protocols and treatment measures on the island, managing the last secondary cases by the late 1990s.

Chile detected its final locally acquired leprosy case in 1993, meaning the country has maintained zero local transmission for more than three decades.

Despite this success, Chilean health officials never removed leprosy from their public health priorities.

The disease remains a notifiable condition, with authorities maintaining mandatory reporting systems, integrated surveillance networks, and continuous clinical readiness throughout the healthcare system.

Global recognition and expert verification

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, praised this landmark achievement as a powerful demonstration of what leadership, science, and solidarity can accomplish together.

He emphasized that Chile’s success sends a clear message to the world: sustained commitment, inclusive health services, integrated public health strategies, early detection, and universal access to care can relegate ancient diseases to history books.

At Chile’s Ministry of Health request, PAHO and WHO convened an independent expert panel in 2025 to assess whether the country had truly achieved sustainable elimination.

The panel conducted a comprehensive evaluation, examining epidemiological data, surveillance mechanisms, case management protocols, and long-term sustainability plans.

Their findings confirmed the absence of local transmission and validated Chile’s capacity to detect and respond to future cases among non-native populations.

Robust surveillance and comprehensive care

Between 2012 and 2023, Chile reported 47 leprosy cases nationwide, but notably, health officials confirmed that none originated locally.

Chile’s integrated healthcare model functions through a well-coordinated system where primary care centers serve as initial contact points for suspected cases.

Medical teams then refer patients to specialized dermatology services for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing follow-up care.

Clinicians receive training aligned with the WHO’s “Towards Zero Leprosy” strategy, ensuring they can recognize and manage cases effectively.

The system prioritizes early intervention and disability prevention while providing holistic care that includes physiotherapy and rehabilitation services.

This approach ensures that anyone affected by leprosy receives continuous support for both immediate and long-term health needs, promoting full recovery and social inclusion.

Regional Impact and International Support

PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa highlighted that Chile’s achievement demonstrates elimination is attainable and requires building strong systems capable of detecting, responding to, and providing comprehensive care for affected individuals, including those living with chronic disabilities.

The accomplishment sends a powerful message throughout the Americas that diseases strongly associated with vulnerable populations can be eliminated, helping break the destructive cycle between disease and poverty.

Since 1995, PAHO has coordinated with WHO to ensure uninterrupted access to multidrug therapy (MDT) for countries across the Americas, including Chile.

The Nippon Foundation supported this effort from 1995 to 2000, followed by Novartis, which has provided MDT free of charge through direct agreements with WHO since 2000.

This reliable supply, combined with national distribution systems, has proven essential for curing patients, preventing disability, and interrupting disease transmission.

A framework built on human rights

Ximena Aguilera, Chile’s Minister of Health, expressed pride in this achievement, noting that the verification reflects decades of sustained public health efforts encompassing prevention strategies, early diagnosis, effective treatment, continuous follow-up, and the dedication of health teams nationwide.

She emphasized that this milestone reaffirms the country’s responsibility to maintain active surveillance and ensure respectful, stigma-free care for all patients.

Chile achieved leprosy elimination within 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 people affected by leprosy receive care without stigma or exclusion.

The country’s mixed public-private health system, with strong regulatory oversight, further strengthens equitable access for all populations, including migrants and vulnerable groups.

Sustaining success

Moving forward into the post-elimination phase, WHO encourages Chile to continue reporting, maintain sensitive surveillance systems, and preserve clinical expertise for managing future sporadic cases and any infections acquired outside the country.

The verification panel recommended formally designating a referral center and utilizing WHO Academy’s online training programs for healthcare workers, strengthening long-term capacity and preparedness for years to come.