Silent victory: Chile becomes 2nd nation to eliminate Leprosy

For generations, the shadow of leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, stretched across the globe, a silent affliction that brought with it not only physical suffering but also the heavy burden of stigma and isolation.

In Chile, its presence was historically noted on the remote shores of Rapa Nui, Easter Island, towards the close of the 19th century. While sporadic cases appeared on the mainland, it was on this distant outpost that the disease truly took root, its last secondary cases managed in the late 1990s.

But Chile harbored a quiet determination, a commitment to public health that would, over three decades, lead to an extraordinary achievement. Since 1993, not a single locally acquired case of leprosy has been reported within its borders.

This wasn’t a stroke of luck, but the culmination of relentless effort. Leprosy remained a notifiable condition, meticulously monitored through mandatory reporting, integrated surveillance, and a healthcare system poised for continuous clinical readiness.

In 2025, at the behest of Chile’s Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) convened an independent panel of experts.

Their mission: to assess whether this silent victory was indeed complete and sustainable. The panel delved into epidemiological data, scrutinized surveillance mechanisms, reviewed case management protocols, and evaluated the nation’s long-term sustainability plans.
Their findings were unequivocal: local transmission had ceased, and Chile possessed the robust capacity to detect and respond to any future cases, even those originating from outside its borders.

This monumental achievement earned Chile the distinction of being the first country in the Americas, and only the second globally, to be officially verified as having eliminated leprosy.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, lauded this as a “landmark public health achievement,” a testament to “leadership, science, and solidarity.”
He emphasized the clear message it sent to the world: with sustained commitment, inclusive health services, integrated public health strategies, early detection, and universal access to care, even ancient diseases can be relegated to the annals of history.

Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Chile’s demonstration 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 underscored the powerful message this sent to the entire Region of the Americas: diseases deeply intertwined with vulnerable populations can be eradicated, breaking the vicious cycle of disease and poverty.
Ximena Aguilera, Chile’s Minister of Health, expressed immense pride in this recognition, attributing it to “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.”

She reaffirmed Chile’s ongoing responsibility to maintain active surveillance and ensure respectful, stigma-free care for all.

Between 2012 and 2023, Chile reported 47 cases nationwide, all of which were acquired outside the country. This low- incidence environment demanded a unique approach.
Chile’s integrated model ensured early detection and comprehensive care, with primary care centers serving as the initial point of contact, leading to timely referrals to specialized dermatology services.

Clinicians received training aligned with WHO’s ‘Towards zero leprosy’ strategy, prioritizing early intervention, disability prevention, and holistic care, including physiotherapy and rehabilitation services.

This ensured continuous support for both acute and long-term health needs, promoting full recovery and social inclusion.
PAHO’s unwavering support, in coordination with WHO, played a crucial role, providing multidrug therapy (MDT) free of charge to countries in the Americas since 1995.

This uninterrupted access to treatment, coupled with national supply systems, proved essential in curing patients, preventing disability, and interrupting transmission.

PAHO also assisted Chile in aligning surveillance with international standards, strengthening laboratory capacity, and maintaining clinical expertise in a context where many health professionals might never encounter a case.

Crucially, Chile’s success was underpinned by a robust legal and social framework that champions human rights, promotes inclusion, and actively prevents discrimination.
National legislation guarantees equal access to healthcare, social protection, and disability services, ensuring that those affected by leprosy receive care without stigma or exclusion.

The nation’s mixed public-private health system, with its strong regulatory oversight, further solidified equitable access, extending its reach to migrants and other vulnerable populations.

As Chile steps into the post-elimination phase, it serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to what can be achieved through sustained dedication and a holistic approach to public health.

The journey from the isolated cases on Rapa Nui to a nation free from local leprosy transmission is a powerful narrative of human resilience, scientific advancement, and unwavering commitment to a healthier, more equitable world.