Membership is open to all organizations and individuals who are committed to zero leprosy and that support the principles, objectives, and activities of the Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy. Learn more.
Photo Credit: LEPRA
Why Now?
Since the introduction of effective multi-drug therapy (MDT) 30 years ago, the reported prevalence of leprosy has been reduced by 99%. However, the number of newly diagnosed leprosy patients has remained above 200,000, including thousands of children, per year for the last decade.
New scientific advances are changing the way we approach leprosy. Recent scientific breakthroughs include improved methods to diagnose, interrupt transmission, and treat people at greatest risk.
Along with these innovations, achieving zero leprosy requires a strong global alignment behind a common vision. The Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy builds on existing collaborative networks within the leprosy community to support leprosy programmes with new tools and approaches.
Action Framework
View our upcoming and long-term milestones towards zero leprosy. Learn more.
The COVID-19 Crisis and Persons Affected by Leprosy Fact Sheet
Persons affected by leprosy have been especially impacted by the worst consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and organizations of persons affected by leprosy have enacted policies and programmes intended to support persons affected during this crisis, although there are still gaps. The Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy COVID-19 Emergency Response Working Group 2 and UN Special Rapporteur Alice Cruz, gathered data from 100+ persons affected and partners, representing 24 countries on available programmes and resources offering support to persons affected during this time. This fact sheet highlights some of the measures taken by governments and NGOs in the represented countries, and underscores the need for increased support.
