Chile Eradicates Leprosy, WHO Confirms

Chile has received official verification from the World Health Organization (WHO) for the elimination of leprosy, becoming the first country in the Americas to secure this designation. Officials said the verification reflects the sustained absence of locally acquired cases for more than 30 years, with the last such case recorded in 1993.

The WHO verification followed a 2025 assessment by an independent expert panel. The review examined Chile’s epidemiological evidence, the design and performance of surveillance systems, and the country’s approach to case management. The panel confirmed that local transmission has remained absent over the long term and that the health system has the capacity to identify and manage cases that may be imported.

Even with the elimination status, leprosy continues to be treated as a notifiable condition in Chile. Authorities said this means reporting remains mandatory and surveillance is integrated into the broader public health monitoring framework. The health system also maintains ongoing clinical readiness to detect and respond if future cases appear, including those linked to importation.

The designation underscores the role of sustained public health action and political commitment in achieving long-duration disease control outcomes. It also points to the operational importance of maintaining surveillance and clinical protocols after elimination is verified, particularly for conditions that can re-emerge through cross-border movement.

Officials said Chile’s experience demonstrates how integrated public health strategies and universal access to care can support the elimination of diseases.

For global health stakeholders, the verification provides a benchmark for other countries in the region seeking similar recognition. It also highlights that elimination does not remove the need for monitoring, since imported cases can still occur and require rapid detection and management. A key uncertainty is the timing and frequency of any future imported cases, which depends on factors outside Chile’s direct control, reinforcing the emphasis on continued vigilance.