26/01/2026
Despite the world inching closer to zero disease and zero disability for , stigma remains unacceptably high, denying people dignity, opportunity, and fundamental rights, highlights Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia, on World Leprosy Day.
Stigma and discrimination prevent people from seeking care and completing treatment, while social isolation affects those with leprosy and their families.
WHO SEARO calls on
✔️ governments for their continued commitment to eliminate leprosy
✔️ communities to combat stigma
✔️ partners for developing improved diagnostics, newer treatment regimens, better prophylaxis and innovations that address both medical and social challenges.
Remember, leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma.
For the entire statement 👉🏾https://www.who.int/southeastasia/news/detail/25-01-2026-world-leprosy-day