A Legacy of Vigilance: Chile’s Path to Leprosy Elimination

Despite the absence of locally acquired cases for over three decades, Chile never wavered in its commitment to leprosy control. The disease remained a notifiable condition, subject to mandatory reporting, integrated surveillance, and continuous clinical readiness across the entire healthcare system. This sustained vigilance, coupled with robust public health action, has been instrumental in achieving elimination.

“This landmark public health achievement is a powerful testament to what leadership, science, and solidarity can accomplish,” stated 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.”

Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the broader implications of Chile’s success. “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,” he said. “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.”

In 2025, at the request of Chile’s Ministry of Health, PAHO and WHO convened an independent expert panel to rigorously assess the country’s progress. The panel’s thorough review of epidemiological data, surveillance mechanisms, case management protocols, and sustainability plans confirmed the absence of local transmission and validated Chile’s capacity to respond to any future imported cases.

Chile’s Minister of Health, Ximena Aguilera, expressed immense pride in the nation’s accomplishment. “This is very good news and a source of great pride for our country,” she stated. “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.”

Integrated Care: The Cornerstone of Chile’s Success

Between 2012 and 2023, Chile reported 47 cases of leprosy nationwide, all of which were imported – meaning they were contracted outside of the country. This demonstrates the effectiveness of Chile’s surveillance system in identifying and managing imported cases, preventing the re-establishment of local transmission.

Chile’s integrated healthcare model is central to its success. Primary care centers serve as the first point of contact for suspected cases, facilitating timely referrals to specialized dermatology services for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Healthcare professionals receive ongoing training aligned with the WHO’s Towards Zero Leprosy strategy, ensuring they are equipped to detect and manage the disease effectively. The system prioritizes early intervention, disability prevention, and holistic care, including physiotherapy and rehabilitation services, providing comprehensive support for both acute and long-term health needs.

Did You Know? Leprosy is fully curable with multidrug therapy (MDT), and early detection is crucial to prevent disabilities and social stigma.

A Regional Catalyst: Inspiring the Americas

Chile’s accomplishment serves as a powerful catalyst for other nations in the Americas, demonstrating the transformative impact of political will, cross-sector collaboration, and adaptive planning in low-incidence settings. The success story underscores the importance of sustained investment in public health infrastructure and a commitment to equitable access to healthcare.

Since 1995, PAHO, in collaboration with WHO, has provided multidrug therapy (MDT) free of charge to countries in the Americas, including Chile. This uninterrupted access to treatment, combined with robust national supply systems, has been critical in curing patients, preventing disability, and interrupting transmission. PAHO has also supported Chile in strengthening its surveillance systems, enhancing laboratory capacity, and maintaining clinical expertise, even in a context where healthcare professionals may rarely encounter cases.

Equity and Inclusion: A Foundation for Elimination

Chile’s elimination of leprosy has been achieved within a robust legal and social framework that protects human rights, promotes inclusion, and prevents discrimination. National legislation guarantees equal access to healthcare, social protection, and disability services, ensuring that individuals affected by leprosy receive care without stigma or exclusion.

Chile’s mixed public-private healthcare system, coupled with strong regulatory oversight, further strengthens equitable access, particularly for migrants and other vulnerable populations. This commitment to inclusivity is a key factor in the country’s success.

Sustaining the Gains: A Long-Term Commitment

Aligned with WHO’s Towards Zero Leprosy strategy and PAHO’s Disease Elimination Initiative, Chile’s experience demonstrates that elimination is not merely the absence of disease, but a sustained health system capable of detecting, responding to, and providing holistic care whenever a case arises.

As Chile moves into the post-elimination phase, continued reporting to WHO, sensitive surveillance, and the retention of clinical expertise are paramount. The verification panel also recommended formally designating a referral center and leveraging resources from the WHO Academy for ongoing training of healthcare workers, strengthening long-term capacity and preparedness.

What further steps can other nations in the Americas take to emulate Chile’s success in eliminating neglected tropical diseases? And how can global health organizations better support countries in maintaining vigilance and preventing the resurgence of diseases like leprosy?

Frequently Asked Questions About Leprosy Elimination in Chile