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The World Health Organization (WHO) congratulated Jordan for becoming the first country in the world to be officially verified for eliminating leprosy. This significant achievement marks a new era in global public health efforts.
Minister of Health, Dr. Firas Al-Hawari, received a letter from WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stating: “The WHO congratulates Jordan on this monumental achievement. Leprosy has afflicted humanity for thousands of years, but we are now stopping its transmission country by country, liberating individuals, families, and communities from its suffering and stigma.”
The letter further stated: “In response to the Ministry of Health’s interest in verifying the elimination of leprosy, the WHO commissioned an independent team to assess the situation. After a thorough review, the verification team recommended that the WHO officially recognize the elimination of leprosy in Jordan.”
Upon receiving the letter from the WHO Director-General, handed over by the WHO Representative in Jordan, Dr. Jamila Al-Raabi, during a ceremony organized by the ministry on Thursday at the Jordan Health Forum, Dr. Al-Hawari said, “The Ministry of Health is proud of the remarkable progress Jordan has made in combating leprosy. For over a decade, no new cases of the disease have been reported in the local community, highlighting the success in addressing this disease.”
Dr. Al-Hawari emphasized the importance of maintaining strong surveillance systems to detect potential future cases and provide treatment, including cases imported from abroad, without discrimination, despite Jordan’s success in eliminating leprosy.
He expressed his gratitude to the WHO for its valuable support and guidance, which enabled Jordan to become the first country to be officially recognized for eliminating leprosy. He added that this milestone reflects collective efforts and commitment to improving public health and serves as a testament to what can be achieved through cooperation and perseverance.
WHO Representative in Jordan, Dr. Jamila Al-Raabi, said, “On behalf of the WHO, I would like to congratulate Jordan on being the first country in the world to have its leprosy elimination officially verified. We remain committed to continuing our support for Jordan, meeting its needs, and ensuring the sustainability of this success, which adds to Jordan’s other public health achievements.”
Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes. If left untreated, leprosy can cause permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs, and eyes. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent disability. Leprosy remains a neglected tropical disease and is still prevalent in over 120 countries, with more than 200,000 new cases reported annually.
