Chile has been officially verified as leprosy free by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), becoming the first country in the Americas and the second worldwide to receive this recognition. The announcement follows more than three decades of sustained public health efforts, continuous surveillance, and political commitment.
Leprosy, also known as Hansen disease, was first recorded in Chile at the end of the 19th century on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). On mainland Chile, cases were rare and mainly managed through isolation and treatment on the island. The last locally acquired case was detected in 1993. Since then, no new local transmissions have been reported for over 30 years. However, leprosy remained a notifiable disease under mandatory reporting with ongoing clinical readiness across Chile’s health system.
The official verification process began after a request from Chile's Ministry of Health. In 2025, PAHO and WHO convened an independent panel of experts to review epidemiological data, case management protocols, surveillance mechanisms, and sustainability plans. The panel confirmed that there had been no local transmission for decades and validated Chile’s ability to detect and respond to any future imported cases.
"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."
Ximena Aguilera, Chile’s Minister of Health stated: "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. 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."
Between 2012 and 2023 there were 47 reported cases nationwide in Chile; none were locally acquired.
Chile’s approach involves early detection at primary care centers with referral pathways leading suspected cases quickly to specialized dermatology services for diagnosis and treatment. Clinicians are trained according to WHO guidelines focused on early intervention and holistic support—such as physiotherapy—to prevent disability while supporting social inclusion.
Since 1995 PAHO has worked with WHO to provide multidrug therapy free of charge throughout Latin America—including uninterrupted access in Chile—which has played a key role in curing patients while stopping further transmission.
Additionally PAHO has helped strengthen laboratory capacity within Chilean health institutions so that even though many clinicians may never see a case during their careers due to low incidence rates they remain prepared through ongoing training aligned with international standards.
National legislation protects human rights by ensuring equal access without discrimination or stigma against those affected by leprosy—covering both healthcare needs as well as social protection measures—and includes migrants among other vulnerable groups thanks to regulatory oversight within its mixed public–private system.
Looking ahead into what it calls “the post-elimination phase,” WHO recommends continued sensitive surveillance reporting along with retention of clinical expertise; designating formal referral centers; utilizing online resources like WHO Academy training modules; all aimed at sustaining preparedness should future sporadic or imported cases occur.
