• WHO reaffirms leprosy elimination goal, highlighting partnership with Novartis. • 172,717 new cases reported worldwide in 2024, yet 55 regions zero cases. • Multidrug therapy (MDT) and clofazimine remain free, thanks to Novartis donation. • MoU extension 2026-2030 secures MDT, clofazimine, and SDR for post‑exposure prophylaxis. • WHO and Novartis partnership is one of the longest sustained pharma donation programs. • Dr. Farrar praises partners’ commitment, transforming millions’ lives toward leprosy‑free world.
Article Summaries:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has extended its 25‑year partnership with Novartis, renewing a Memorandum of Understanding that will supply free multidrug therapy (MDT) and clofazimine to leprosy patients through 2030 and fund single‑dose rifampicin for post‑exposure prophylaxis. This move comes ahead of World Leprosy Day on 25 January, a day that highlights the disease’s curability and the ongoing stigma that hampers elimination. In 2024, 172,717 new leprosy cases were reported worldwide, though 55 of 188 reporting regions recorded zero cases. The partnership underscores WHO’s commitment to global elimination and the need for sustained political, community, and pharmaceutical collaboration.
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