Chile eliminates leprosy, vaccinations help fight malaria

Chile has become the first country in the Americas to eliminate leprosy. In March, it became only the second country in the world – after Jordan – to be officially recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as free of leprosy. Leprosy is a chronic bacterial infectious disease that primarily affects the skin, mucous membranes and peripheral nervous system. The affected areas of skin lose their sensitivity to pain, touch or temperature, which can lead to unnoticed and repeated injuries, among other complications. 

In countries with good healthcare and high standards of hygiene, particularly in North America and Europe, leprosy has been virtually eradicated. However, countries in tropical and subtropical regions continue to be severely affected. In addition to early-detection programmes, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasised the importance of universal access to healthcare in order to “consign diseases from ancient times to history.”

Successful fight against malaria

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, reports significant progress in the fight against malaria. Since 2024, the alliance has helped 25 African countries to vaccinate more than 50 million children against malaria. At the same time, according to Gavi, early reports from Kenya, Malawi, Ghana and Cameroon show a marked decline in infection cases among vaccinated children. 

Over the next five years, the alliance aims to provide malaria vaccines to a further 50 million children. However, this goal is threatened by funding cuts from the US and other donor countries. Gavi also stresses that maintaining momentum is crucial, as the progress achieved is not irreversible – especially as climate change is expanding transmission areas.

We regularly update you on more positive developments in our Good News section.

The D+C editorial team
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