In a historic achievement, Jordan has become the first country in the world to eliminate leprosy, receiving official verification from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Also known as Hansen’s disease, leprosy still occurs in more than 120 countries, with more than 200,000 new cases reported every year. But most new cases are reported in Southeast Asia.
An independent team was sent by the WHO to check if Jordan had truly eliminated leprosy. After a careful review, they confirmed that Jordan had successfully eradicated the disease, proving the effectiveness of its public health efforts.
This recognition was praised by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who highlighted the collective effort by Jordan to stop the spread of the disease and tackle the stigma associated with it.
Jordan’s success is a huge milestone in public health, and it shows that with the right strategies, countries can not only eliminate diseases but also reduce the negative social and economic effects of those diseases.
According to Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Jordan’s achievement can be an example for other countries. It shows how proper planning and execution can help overcome public health challenges.
Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia, in a remark said that this success is about more than just stopping the disease—it also includes fighting its psychological and social impacts.
Even though Jordan has eliminated leprosy, Jordan’s Ministry of Health officials stressed the importance of staying vigilant and the intention to continue to monitor for any new cases, especially from international sources.
For more than 20 years, Jordan has not had any cases of indigenous leprosy (cases that originated within the country). This achievement shows Jordan’s strong political will and health programs focused on controlling and eventually eliminating the disease.
Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a long-lasting infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium leprae. It affects the skin, nerves, and sometimes other parts of the body. If diagnosed and treated early, it can prevent serious complications like disability.
Leprosy is still considered a neglected tropical disease (NTD). Each year, over 200,000 new cases are reported in more than 120 countries. Eliminating the disease requires strong public health action and global cooperation.
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