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 more than 95%. However, the number of newly diagnosed leprosy patients has remained above 200,000 per year for the last decade, including thousands of children.
New scientific advances are changing the way we approach leprosy and may provide innovative ways to fully interrupt transmission of the disease. Recent scientific breakthroughs include improved diagnostic methods, more effective ways to prevent the spread of infections, and new ways of treating people at greatest risk.
Along with these innovations, achieving zero leprosy requires a strong global alignment behind a common vision. The leprosy community feels a renewed sense of urgency to accelerate progress through collaboration. The Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy will build on and strengthen existing collaborative networks to support leprosy programs as they adopt new tools and approaches.
Milestone Timeline
Key objectives for 2018 are a research agenda and operational excellence roadmap. Learn more.
See the latest 2017 leprosy data and WHO’s strategies to reduce the disease burden in the Weekly Epidemiological Record, No. 35, Vol. 93 (31 August 2018).
