DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania: TANZANIA is making significant progress in the fight against leprosy, aligning with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) global strategy to eliminate the disease by 2030.
The number of newly diagnosed cases has dropped by 37 per cent, from 2,297 in 2015 to 1,439 in 2025, reflecting the effectiveness of targeted government efforts. Minister for Health, Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa, shared these statistics yesterday as Tanzania marked World Leprosy Day alongside the global community.
In 2006, the WHO declared Tanzania had met the international standard for eliminating leprosy, defined as fewer than one case per 10,000 people.
He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to eliminating leprosy through comprehensive strategies focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, timely treatment and social inclusion for affected individuals.
Mr Mchengerwa highlighted the increased public education and awareness campaigns aimed at dispelling myths about leprosy, aiming to reduce stigma and discrimination against those affected by the disease.
He pointed out that lingering negative beliefs, such as the misconception that leprosy is caused by curses or inherited conditions, continue to impede early health-seeking behaviour and foster social exclusion.
The minister also noted that leprosy eradication efforts are integrated into broader health initiatives, particularly in regions and local government areas where prevalence remains high.
This integration ensures that leprosy services are delivered alongside routine healthcare, improving access to screening and treatment while bolstering surveillance systems.
Additional efforts include awareness and screening campaigns in households where leprosy cases have been identified, ensuring that all newly diagnosed patients receive timely treatment and that medicines remain continuously available.
He emphasised that all leprosy medications are provided free of charge and must be stocked in health facilities at all times.
Mr Mchengerwa also confirmed that the government continues to invest in research and innovative approaches to accelerate leprosy eradication while enhancing care and rehabilitation services for people living with disabilities caused by the disease.
This year’s World Leprosy Day is being observed under the theme “End Stigma, Strengthen the Dignity of Leprosy Patients,” which underscores the importance of restoring dignity and promoting equal rights for affected individuals.
The theme calls for justice and a shift in societal attitudes to ensure leprosy patients can fully participate in education, employment and social activities with respect and dignity, reflecting President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s national call for work and dignity.
The minister stressed that early detection is crucial, noting that leprosy is both treatable and curable when diagnosed in its early stages. Early diagnosis prevents disability, reduces transmission and improves treatment outcomes, emphasising the need for communities to seek medical care promptly when symptoms emerge.
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He further highlighted that breaking the transmission chain remains a top priority, particularly through community awareness and preventive treatment for individuals at high risk.
According to Mr Mchengerwa, these efforts are vital to achieving the national goal of a healthy population that actively contributes to social and economic development, while also fulfilling the global target of eradicating leprosy by 2030.
Despite these national accomplishments, Mr Mchengerwa pointed out that 12 districts have not yet met the leprosy elimination target, accounting for 71 per cent of the 1,439 reported cases in 2025.
These districts include Liwale, Mtama, Ruangwa, Morogoro, Lindi, Mvomero, Ifakara, Mlimba, Mkinga, Muheza, Kibaha and Shinyanga.
He directed Regional Medical Officers and relevant councils to intensify followups with diagnosed patients and conduct surveys within communities where cases are reported to ensure early detection, treatment and prevention of further transmission.