PAHO calls for intensified efforts to address Leprosy and other Neglected Tropical Diseases – PAHO/WHO

Washington, DC, January 24, 2025 (PAHO) – On the occasion of World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has called for increased efforts to eliminate these diseases, which affect more than 50 million people. in the Region of the Americas.

Leprosy, dengue, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, rabies, scabies, schistosomiasis and trachoma are among more than 20 diseases that primarily affect vulnerable populations with limited access to clean water, basic sanitation and services. of medical care.

“Addressing this group of diseases requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach,” said PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa. He highlighted the importance of implementing strategies such as surveillance, mass administration of medications, expanding vaccination coverage, vector control, and greater awareness and education.

Historically, these diseases have had a limited presence on the global public health agenda and have received little attention and funding. However, in recent years, NTDs have gained greater visibility due to various strategies, such as PAHO’s Disease Elimination Initiative, which aims to eliminate more than 30 communicable diseases and related conditions by 2030, including twelve from the group of NTDs.

By December 2024, 54 countries around the world had eliminated at least one NTD. In the Americas, 11 countries have achieved at least one elimination goal. In 2024, Brazil eliminated lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem. Other notable achievements include the elimination of onchocerciasis in Colombia (2013), Ecuador (2014), Guatemala (2016) and Mexico (2015). In 2017, Mexico eliminated trachoma as a public health problem and in 2019 it became the first country in the world to eliminate human rabies transmitted by dogs. These advances reflect the impact of the joint efforts of governments, communities, civil society and cooperation agencies.

January 30 marks World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day. This year’s theme is “Acting Together. Putting communities at the center of the fight against NTDs”, highlights the importance of amplifying the voices of communities, strengthening their capacities and ensuring that people are at the center of actions, while respecting their ways of life to ensure the sustainability of these efforts.

World Leprosy Day

Leprosy is part of the group of neglected tropical diseases. It is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae, which mainly affects the skin and peripheral nerves. If left untreated, it can lead to progressive and permanent disabilities. However, leprosy can be cured through multidrug therapy (MDT), an accessible and effective treatment.

Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in the fight against the disease. Prompt treatment can prevent disabilities and deformities and stop transmission.

In 2023, 182,815 new cases of leprosy were reported globally, 13.6% of which occurred in the Region of the Americas, where more than 90% of cases occur in Brazil. Brazil not only leads the regional figures but also ranks second worldwide in the number of reported cases. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 30,000 new cases were reported annually in the Americas. This number decreased significantly during the pandemic, but increased again in 2023 to reach around 25,000 cases.

World Leprosy Day, celebrated on the last Sunday of January, aims to raise awareness about the disease and end discrimination, stigma and prejudice against patients.