Amman - Jordan has made history by becoming the first country in the world to be officially verified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having eliminated leprosy, marking a significant achievement in global public health efforts.
اضافة اعلان
In a statement, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated the Kingdom on this historic accomplishment, saying, "Leprosy has afflicted humanity for millennia, but country by country, we are halting its transmission and freeing individuals, families, and communities from its suffering and stigma. This is a remarkable milestone for Jordan and for global public health."
Jordan has not reported any locally transmitted cases of leprosy for over two decades, a testament to the country’s strong political commitment and the effective public health strategies it has implemented to eliminate the disease.
The country’s achievement is seen as a major success in the global fight against leprosy, which continues to affect more than 120 countries, with over 200,000 new cases reported annually.
Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia and head of WHO’s Global Leprosy Programme, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, "Jordan’s elimination of this age-old disease is a historic milestone in public health and a huge success for efforts to eradicate leprosy globally. This is not just a fight against a disease, but a fight against stigma and the socio-economic harm that leprosy inflicts."
Following Jordan’s request to verify its elimination of leprosy, WHO commissioned an independent team to assess the country’s situation. After a thorough review, the team recommended that WHO officially recognize Jordan's achievement.
Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, described Jordan’s success as transformational: "Jordan’s achievement in eliminating leprosy will inspire other countries to intensify their efforts and overcome barriers to reach this extraordinary goal."
Minister of Health, Dr. Feras Al-Hawari, echoed these sentiments, expressing pride in the progress the country has made. "For over a decade, no new cases of leprosy have been reported in Jordan’s local community, which is a clear indication of our success in combating this disease. We are honored to be the first country recognized by WHO for this achievement," Al-Hawari said at a ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Health in Amman.
Despite this remarkable accomplishment, Al-Hawari emphasized the importance of maintaining strong surveillance systems to detect and manage any potential future cases, including those imported from abroad. "Even though we have eliminated leprosy, we must remain vigilant to ensure no new cases go undetected or untreated," he added.
WHO Representative to Jordan, Dr. Jamela Al-Raiby, underscored the significance of Jordan’s efforts and the global precedent it sets. "This success highlights what can be achieved through sustained efforts, collaboration, and a strong commitment to public health. Jordan’s journey is an inspiration to other nations, showcasing that with the right strategy, even the most challenging health issues can be overcome."
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, and mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract and eyes. If left untreated, the disease can cause permanent damage, but early diagnosis and treatment can prevent disability. Leprosy is classified as a neglected tropical disease and remains a public health challenge in many parts of the world.
Jordan’s achievement serves as a global benchmark, illustrating the power of sustained political will, effective public health measures, and international cooperation in overcoming endemic diseases. WHO and Jordan’s Ministry of Health will continue to work closely to ensure that the country’s leprosy-free status is maintained and to support ongoing public health initiatives.
Read more National Content
Jordan News
.jpg)
.jpg)
