The number of newly diagnosed leprosy cases fell by 37% over the past decade, from 2,297 in 2015 to 1,439 in 2025, Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa said on Sunday as the country marked World Leprosy Day.

Leprosy remains a global health concern, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting more than 200,000 new cases annually worldwide, mainly in low- and middle-income countries. India, Brazil, and Indonesia account for the majority of cases, while several African countries, including Tanzania, continue to report persistent pockets of transmission despite meeting elimination thresholds at the national level.

The WHO declared Tanzania had reached the international elimination benchmark in 2006, defined as fewer than one case per 10,000 people. Health authorities say sustained efforts are still required to interrupt transmission, address stigma, and prevent disability.

“The government remains fully committed to eliminating leprosy through prevention, early diagnosis, timely treatment, and social inclusion,” Mchengerwa said.

Across East Africa, leprosy prevalence has declined over the past two decades, but health officials warn that delayed diagnosis, stigma, and limited awareness continue to fuel transmission in remote and underserved communities. Tanzania’s strategy mirrors regional and global approaches that integrate leprosy services into primary healthcare to improve access and surveillance.

Mchengerwa said public education campaigns have been intensified to counter misinformation, including beliefs that leprosy is caused by curses or hereditary factors—misconceptions that often delay health-seeking behaviour and lead to social exclusion.

Leprosy services have been integrated into routine healthcare delivery, particularly in regions with higher case numbers. This approach allows screening and treatment to be offered alongside other health services, a model promoted by the WHO to sustain elimination gains.

Additional measures include targeted screening in households and communities where cases have been identified, as well as ensuring uninterrupted availability of free multidrug therapy at health facilities nationwide.

“All leprosy medicines are provided free of charge and must be available at all times,” the minister said.

He added that the government continues to invest in research, surveillance, and rehabilitation services for people living with disabilities caused by leprosy, in line with the WHO’s emphasis on disability prevention and long-term care.

This year’s World Leprosy Day is observed under the theme “End Stigma, Strengthen the Dignity of Leprosy Patients,” echoing global calls to protect human rights and eliminate discrimination against affected individuals.

Mchengerwa stressed that early diagnosis is critical, noting that leprosy is both treatable and curable when detected early, preventing disability and further transmission.

Despite national progress, challenges remain. Twelve districts have yet to meet the elimination target and accounted for about 71% of reported cases in 2025. These include Liwale, Mtama, Ruangwa, Morogoro, Lindi, Mvomero, Ifakara, Mlimba, Mkinga, Muheza, Kibaha, and Shinyanga.

He directed regional and district health authorities to intensify patient follow-up and strengthen community-level surveillance to detect cases early and prevent further spread.

“These efforts are essential to sustaining elimination gains and meeting the global target of ending leprosy by 2030,” Mchengerwa said.

Notes to Editors

• Tanzania reached the World Health Organization (WHO) leprosy elimination threshold in 2006, defined as fewer than one case per 10,000 population, but continues targeted interventions to interrupt transmission at district level.
• Leprosy remains endemic in specific pockets despite national-level elimination, with 12 districts accounting for more than 70% of reported cases in 2025.
• The government provides free multidrug therapy for leprosy nationwide in line with WHO guidelines.

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