Ethiopia Strives for Leprosy Elimination by 2030

Addis Ababa – Ethiopia has made significant progress in the fight against leprosy, officially eliminating it as a public health problem in 1999. This accomplishment came after decades of dedicated efforts. However, despite achieving the elimination threshold of 1 case per 10,000 population, Ethiopia still reports around 3,000 cases annually.

Obstacles to Eradication

Several factors contribute to the ongoing presence of leprosy in Ethiopia. Lack of community awareness about the disease, fear of stigma and discrimination, and limited active case finding and contact tracing remain major hurdles. Even today, approximately 10% of these detected cases involve grade 2 disability, which often manifests as visible deformities and severe visual impairments.

Scaling Up Efforts for a Leprosy-Free Future

With the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, Ethiopia is intensifying its efforts to eliminate leprosy by 2030. Aligned with the WHO’s global leprosy strategy, the country is focusing on two key strategies:

• Active Case Finding: Since 2021, health authorities have been actively searching for leprosy cases in 142 leprosy-endemic communities. This proactive approach aims to ensure earlier diagnosis and treatment, interrupting the chain of transmission.
• Community Awareness: Strengthening community awareness campaigns is crucial to combating the stigma and fear surrounding leprosy. By educating the public, Ethiopia hopes to encourage early detection and prevent discrimination against those affected.

Join the Fight Against Leprosy

Leprosy is a curable disease, and with continued global collaboration and support, we can eliminate it entirely. Learn more about leprosy, its symptoms, and prevention methods. You can also support organizations working on the frontlines to fight this neglected tropical disease.