The World Health Organization (WHO), together with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), congratulates Chile for becoming the first country in the Americas – and the second globally – to be officially verified as having eliminated leprosy disease.
Leprosy (Hansen disease) was historically recorded in Chile at the end of the 19th century on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). The disease was limited i...
**STEELMAN:** Chile's elimination of leprosy is a landmark public health achievement, demonstrating that sustained political commitment, robust surveillance, and equitable healthcare access can eradicate even ancient diseases. The verification process was rigorous, involving independent experts who confirmed the absence of local transmission and the country's capacity to detect and respond to future cases. Chile's model—integrating primary care with specialized services, ensuring stigma-free tre...