WHO Declares First Country "Free of Leprosy"
Jordan has received acclaim for achieving a “historic milestone” in public health, having reported no local cases of the age-old affliction for two decades. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Jordan has become the world's first nation to eradicate leprosy, according to a recent announcement by the World Health Organization (WHO). An independent review team appointed by the WHO confirmed that no domestically originated cases of leprosy have been reported in Jordan for the past two decades.
Dr. Jamela Al-Raiby, WHO's representative in Jordan, attributed this accomplishment to "the leadership of the Ministry of Health, strong collaboration between WHO and the Ministry, and technical support provided by WHO at all three levels."
Saima Wazed, WHO’s regional director for Southeast Asia and leader of the organization’s Global Leprosy Program, recognized the achievement, stating, “Jordan’s elimination of this age-old disease is a historic milestone in public health and a huge success for efforts to eliminate leprosy globally.”
Additionally, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended the Jordanian government for achieving this "impressive milestone" in public health. He noted, “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.”
Historically, leprosy was an incurable disease that caused numerous disabilities, including blindness and limb loss. Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO's regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, emphasized that Jordan’s success “will transform the discourse around this age-old, stigmatizing disease" and proclaimed that Jordan’s efforts "stands as an inspiration to other countries, encouraging them to enhance their efforts and overcome barriers to achieve this remarkable feat.”
Both the WHO and Jordan's Ministry of Health highlighted the need to maintain strong surveillance systems to identify any new cases of the disease going forward.
Hansen’s disease, as leprosy is officially known, is a bacterial infection that can severely affect the skin, nerves, soft tissues, and eyes if left untreated. Transmission occurs through droplets from the nose and mouth during extended, close contact, though not through casual interaction. Despite its eradication in Jordan, leprosy remains a neglected tropical disease prevalent in over 120 countries, with India, Brazil, and Indonesia reporting nearly 80% of global cases.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
Dr. Jamela Al-Raiby, WHO's representative in Jordan, attributed this accomplishment to "the leadership of the Ministry of Health, strong collaboration between WHO and the Ministry, and technical support provided by WHO at all three levels."
Saima Wazed, WHO’s regional director for Southeast Asia and leader of the organization’s Global Leprosy Program, recognized the achievement, stating, “Jordan’s elimination of this age-old disease is a historic milestone in public health and a huge success for efforts to eliminate leprosy globally.”
Additionally, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended the Jordanian government for achieving this "impressive milestone" in public health. He noted, “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.”
Historically, leprosy was an incurable disease that caused numerous disabilities, including blindness and limb loss. Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO's regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, emphasized that Jordan’s success “will transform the discourse around this age-old, stigmatizing disease" and proclaimed that Jordan’s efforts "stands as an inspiration to other countries, encouraging them to enhance their efforts and overcome barriers to achieve this remarkable feat.”
Both the WHO and Jordan's Ministry of Health highlighted the need to maintain strong surveillance systems to identify any new cases of the disease going forward.
Hansen’s disease, as leprosy is officially known, is a bacterial infection that can severely affect the skin, nerves, soft tissues, and eyes if left untreated. Transmission occurs through droplets from the nose and mouth during extended, close contact, though not through casual interaction. Despite its eradication in Jordan, leprosy remains a neglected tropical disease prevalent in over 120 countries, with India, Brazil, and Indonesia reporting nearly 80% of global cases.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
