Jordan Leads World in Leprosy Elimination: WHO Verification

Historic Achievement

• Jordan becomes the first country to eliminate leprosy, verified by WHO
• No indigenous cases reported for over 20 years
• WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praises the milestone

Strategies for Success

• Strong political commitment and effective public health programs
• Comprehensive approach: early detection, free treatment, and public education
• Robust surveillance systems to monitor and manage potential cases
• Focus on reducing stigma and reintegrating cured individuals into society

Global Implications and Ongoing Efforts

• Sets a precedent for other nations battling leprosy
• Demonstrates the potential of global collaboration in public health
• Accelerates efforts towards global leprosy elimination
• Jordan's model can be adapted by other countries

• Continued vigilance necessary to detect and manage potential cases
• Emphasis on maintaining robust surveillance systems
• Sharing expertise with other countries to support global elimination efforts
• Jordan's success story inspires hope for overcoming other public health challenges

Leprosy: A Chronic Bacterial Infection

• Leprosy, also known as Hansen disease, is a chronic, progressive bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae.
• It primarily affects the nerves of the extremities, skin, nose lining, and upper respiratory tract.
• Untreated, it can cause severe disfigurement and significant disability.
• One of the oldest diseases in recorded history, first known written reference around 600 B.C.
• Classified into three types: tuberculoid, lepromatous, and borderline.
• WHO categorizes the disease based on the type and number of affected skin areas.
• Diagnosis involves a physical exam, biopsy, lepromin skin test, and antibiotics.
• Treatment lasts for months and possibly up to 1 to 2 years.