Health authorities in Africa are intensifying efforts to eliminate leprosy as thousands of new infections continue to be reported across the continent despite the availability of effective treatment.
According to the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, more than 19,000 new cases of leprosy were recorded in the region in 2024, including infections among children — a sign that transmission is still ongoing in several countries.
In response, the WHO regional office in Brazzaville is set to host a working-level meeting aimed at accelerating efforts to eliminate the disease and address the medical and social barriers slowing progress.
Health experts warn that delays in diagnosis remain a major challenge, with many patients seeking medical care only after visible disabilities appear. The disease remains closely linked to inequalities in access to healthcare, information and social protection.
Beyond the medical impact, leprosy continues to carry a heavy social stigma in many communities. Misconceptions about the disease can lead to discrimination, isolation, job loss and exclusion from education, even though patients undergoing treatment no longer transmit the infection.
For the first time, all countries in the WHO African Region have submitted national data on leprosy cases, reflecting growing commitment to addressing the disease. Several countries have reported no cases among children for years, while others are expanding community-based screening and integrating leprosy detection into broader skin disease programs.
Dr. Dorothy Achu, head of the Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases Unit at WHO Africa, said eliminating leprosy is not only a health objective but also a matter of dignity and human rights.
The upcoming meeting in Brazzaville will also prepare the ground for the future Africa Zero Leprosy Conference, where health ministers are expected to commit to stronger national action plans aimed at ending the disease across the region.
Source: TRT Africa
