Dr. Jamela Al-Raiby, WHO Representative to Jordan (left) and H.E Prof. Feras Ibrahim Hawari, Minister of Health, Jordan (right) – credit WHO, released.

It is a disease that has been plaguing commoners and kings alike for millennia (as well as armadillos), but for the first time in history, a country has completely eliminated leprosy.

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has completed this amazing achievement, and is the first country ever to be recognized as doing so by the WHO, whose Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, congratulated the nation for their diligent work on behalf of their citizenry.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract, and eyes. Left untreated, leprosy can cause permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs, and eyes. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent disability.

Leprosy is considered a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that still occurs in more than 120 countries. More than 200,000 new cases are reported every year.

It famously affected King Baldwin IV, the crusader monarch of Jerusalem from the 11th century, who is said to have worn a mask and veil to hide his disfiguration from his subjects.

“Leprosy has afflicted humanity for millennia, but country by country we are stopping transmission and freeing individuals, families, and communities from its suffering and stigma,” said Dr. Ghebreyesus.

Jordan’s success in targeting transmission saw the country go without any reported autochthonous cases of leprosy for over two decades, and after a thorough review by the WHO investigation team, it was awarded the distinction of being the first to eliminate the disease entirely.

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“Jordan’s elimination of leprosy is an achievement that will transform the discourse around this age-old, stigmatizing disease,” said WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Balkhy. “As the first country to achieve this target globally, Jordan stands as an inspiration to other countries, encouraging them to enhance their efforts and overcome barriers to achieve this remarkable feat.”

The announcement follows on the heels of Egypt’s recognition as being a malaria-free country.

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