Jordan Becomes First Country to Eliminate Leprosy

September 21, 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized Jordan as the first country in the world to eliminate leprosy. This recognition was praised by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who highlighted the collective effort by Jordan to stop the spread of the disease and tackle the stigma associated with it.

Significance of Achievement

Jordan’s success is a huge milestone in public health. It shows that with the right strategies, countries can not only eliminate diseases but also reduce the negative social and economic effects of those diseases. According to Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, this success is about more than just stopping the disease—it also includes fighting its psychological and social impacts.

History of Leprosy in Jordan

For more than 20 years, Jordan has not had any cases of indigenous leprosy (cases that originated within the country). This achievement shows Jordan’s strong political will and health programs focused on controlling and eventually eliminating the disease.

An independent team was sent by the WHO to check if Jordan had truly eliminated leprosy. After a careful review, they confirmed that Jordan had successfully eradicated the disease, proving the effectiveness of its public health efforts.

Implications for Other Nations

According to Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Jordan’s achievement can be an example for other countries. It shows how proper planning and execution can help overcome public health challenges.Even though Jordan has eliminated leprosy, the WHO and Jordan’s Ministry of Health stress the importance of staying vigilant. They will continue to monitor for any new cases, especially from international sources.

What Is Leprosy?

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a long-lasting infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium leprae. It affects the skin, nerves, and sometimes other parts of the body. If diagnosed and treated early, it can prevent serious complications like disability.

Leprosy is still considered a neglected tropical disease (NTD). Each year, over 200,000 new cases are reported in more than 120 countries. Eliminating the disease requires strong public health action and global cooperation.

About Jordan

Jordan is a country in the Middle East known for its rich history. It is home to Petra, an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage site, and Amman, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The Jordan River is famous in religious history as the site of Jesus’ baptism, and Wadi Rum (Valley of the Moon) is known for its beautiful desert landscapes. Jordan also has the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, and is famous for its delicious national dish, mansaf. The country is also home to the world’s largest olive tree, which is over 2,000 years old.

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