On Sept. 19, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Jordan had become the first country in the world to be officially verified as having eliminated leprosy. Jordan had not reported any autochthonous cases of leprosy for over two decades. This significant milestone marked a new era in global public health efforts.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Left untreated, leprosy can cause permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent disability. Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) which occurs in more than 120 countries. More than 200 000 new cases are reported every year.