Maldives Recognised by WHO for Halting Leprosy Transmission
Photo: Health Ministry
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the Maldives as the first nation worldwide to successfully interrupt the transmission of leprosy.
Today, Maldives has been recognised by WHO as the first country to have achieved interruption of transmission of leprosy. Congratulations to all healthcare personnel past and present, who worked tirelessly to ensure the country is free of this debilitating disease. @WHOSEARO pic.twitter.com/6a6FWxTG6g
— Ministry of Health (@MoHmv) October 31, 2023advertisement
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This recognition was formalised with the presentation of a commemorative plaque to Health Minister Ahmed Naseem during the ongoing meeting of the Regional Committee for WHO’s Southeast Asian regions in New Delhi, India. Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, the Regional Director of WHO’s Southeast Asia Region, presented the plaque to the minister.
In response to the acknowledgment, the Health Ministry conveyed congratulations, commending the dedicated efforts of all healthcare personnel, both past and present, in ensuring the nation’s leprosy-free status.
Leprosy, caused by the Mycobacterium leprae bacterium, is a chronic infectious disease that affects the skin, peripheral nerves, eyes, and mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory system.
Historically, during periods when treatment for leprosy was unavailable in the Maldives, individuals afflicted by the disease were isolated and confined to specific areas on the islands.
Reports also mention instances where leprosy patients were segregated to uninhabited islands such as Vilivaraa and Biyaadhoo in Male’ Atoll, and Havodda and Fonadhoo in Huvadhoo Atoll.
In 2019, the Maldives launched the ‘Zero Leprosy’ initiative, with the aim of completely eradicating the disease and becoming a nation free from leprosy.
