Chile has just become the first country in the Americas to be verified by the World Health Organization for the elimination of leprosy.
There have been no locally acquired cases of leprosy in Chile for over 30 years, although the disease has remained notifiable, requiring health professionals and laboratories to report confirmed and suspected cases to public health authorities. This meant that leprosy has been carefully monitored over the years.
“Even if we see very few cases – or none at all – we must be prepared to recognise, remember and identify a case, and have the capacity needed to respond and provide holistic care.”
– Patricia Contreras, Head of Chile’s Department of Communicable Diseases
Surveillance shows that between 2012 and 2023, only 47 cases were reported nationwide, and all of them were imported rather than occurring in Chilean residents.
“Imported cases do not represent a risk for the population because they are detected and treated. What matters is staying alert and making an early diagnosis to interrupt any possible chain of transmission.”
– Dr José Antonio Vergara, physician, public health services, southern Chile
At the request of Chile’s Ministry of Health, WHO and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) convened an independent expert panel in 2025 to assess whether elimination had been achieved and could be sustained over time. The panel’s findings confirmed the absence of local transmission and validated Chile’s capacity to detect and respond to future cases.
Leprosy reached Chile in 1889, likely introduced from Tahiti during a period of social disruption. It spread due to overcrowding and poor sanitation, and in the 70s, a full population screening revealed that 15% of people were infected. This crisis led to the much-needed advancement of leprosy treatment and transformation of care. Despite the long road towards elimination over the past decades, Chile has now achieved something remarkable.
“This landmark public health achievement is a powerful testament to what leadership, science, and solidarity can accomplish. With sustained commitment, inclusive health services, integrated public health strategies, early detection and universal access to care, we can consign ancient diseases to history.”
– Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
References:
1. Chile becomes the first country in the Americas to be verified by WHO for the elimination of leprosy. World Health Organization. Accessed 16 March 2026. https://www.who.int/news/item/04-03-2026-chile-becomes-the-first-country-in-the-americas-to-be-verified-by-who-for-the-elimination-of-leprosy.
2. Chile’s long path to eliminating leprosy. Pan American Health Organization. Accessed 16 March 2026. https://www.paho.org/en/stories/chiles-long-path-eliminating-leprosy.