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.

Jordan has not reported any autochthonous cases of leprosy for over two decades, a testament to its strong political commitment and effective public health strategies to eliminate the disease.

Following up on the Ministry of Health’s interest in verifying the elimination of leprosy, WHO commissioned an independent team to assess this situation. After an extensive review, the verification team recommended that WHO acknowledges leprosy has been eliminated in Jordan.  

Jordan’s success sets a worldwide precedent, showcasing what can be achieved with strong political commitment, dedication, collaboration and strategic planning. Although Jordan has successfully eliminated leprosy, the WHO and Ministry of Health both stress the importance of maintaining robust surveillance systems to detect and manage future potential cases, including foreign-borne cases, without discrimination.

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.