♦ The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Jordan as the first country in the world to eliminate leprosy. WHO said that Jordan has not reported any autochthonous cases of leprosy for over two decades.

♦ The declaration was made after commissioning an independent team to assess this situation.  Dr. Jamela Al-Raiby, WHO Representative to Jordan, emphasized the significance of sustained public health efforts and global collaboration in achieving this milestone.

♦ Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious condition caused by Mycobacterium leprae, affecting skin, nerves, and mucosal surfaces.

♦ The disease continues to occur in more than 120 countries. More than two lakh new cases are reported every year.