Chile has been officially verified by the World Health Organization as having eliminated leprosy, becoming the first country in the Americas and second globally to achieve this milestone.
March 2026- The World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization have congratulated Chile on becoming the first country in the Americas and the second worldwide to be officially verified as having eliminated leprosy as a public health problem.
Leprosy, also known as Hansen disease, was first documented in Chile in the late 19th century on Rapa Nui, commonly known as Easter Island. On the mainland, cases were rare and largely linked to sporadic introductions. Authorities successfully contained the disease on the island through isolation and treatment measures, with the last secondary cases managed by the late 1990s.
Chile has not recorded any locally acquired case of leprosy for more than three decades, with the most recent case reported in 1993. Despite this achievement, the disease has remained on the national public health agenda. Leprosy continues to be a notifiable condition in the country, monitored through mandatory reporting systems, integrated surveillance mechanisms and sustained clinical preparedness across the health system.
“This landmark public health achievement is a powerful testament to what leadership, science, and solidarity can accomplish,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Chile’s elimination of leprosy sends a clear message to the world: with sustained commitment, inclusive health services, integrated public health strategies, early detection and universal access to care, we can consign ancient diseases to history.”
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“Chile’s achievement demonstrates that eliminating leprosy is achievable and requires building strong systems that can detect, respond to, and provide comprehensive care for people affected by the disease, including those living with chronic disabilities,” said PAHO Director Dr Jarbas Barbosa. “Being the first country in the Americas to be confirmed as eliminating leprosy sends a powerful message to the Region – that diseases strongly linked to groups living in vulnerable conditions can be eliminated, contributing to interrupt the vicious circle between disease and poverty.”
“This is very good news and a source of great pride for our country. Chile has received verification of the elimination of leprosy disease, becoming the first country in the Americas and the second globally to achieve this recognition,” said Ximena Aguilera, Chile’s Minister of Health. “This milestone reflects decades of sustained public health efforts, including prevention strategies, early diagnosis, effective treatment, continuous follow-up, and the commitment of health teams across the country. It also reaffirms our responsibility to maintain active surveillance and ensure respectful, stigma-free care for all.”
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