WHO hails Nepal’s progress in combating leprosy

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan. 27: Dr. Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, WHO Representative to Nepal, has hailed Nepal's significant progress in combatting leprosy. 

Since achieving elimination as a public health problem at the national level in 2010, cases have steadily declined, he said in a message on the 72nd World Leprosy Day.

“In 2024, Nepal reported a 25 per cent decrease in new cases and nearly a 50 per cent reduction in child cases compared with 2019. Even more encouraging, over 70 per cent of local units reported zero child cases for five consecutive years, moving us closer to a leprosy-free Nepal,” read his message. 

While the number of cases has significantly declined at the national level, we must remember that the interruption of leprosy transmission is yet to be achieved. According to him, 18 out of 77 districts remain high-risk areas. 

Stating that misconceptions about the disease continue to fuel fear, exclusion, and delays in seeking treatment, perpetuating the cycle of transmission, he said persistent stigma and discrimination not only affect individuals but also hinder efforts to detect and treat affected people early.