The Ministry of Health has joined the global community in commemorating World Leprosy Day on 26 January, focusing on raising awareness, promoting early detection and treatment, and addressing stigma surrounding the disease.

From a press release it states that according to the National Leprosy Unit and the National Surveillance System under the Public Health Department, seven leprosy cases were reported in 2023, mainly from Malampa Province. In 2024, the number increased to 11 cases from Malampa and Sanma Provinces, while three cases were reported in 2025 from Malampa and Shefa Provinces.

Director of the Public Health Department, Dr Jenny Stephens, said leprosy is one of the 13 neglected tropical diseases that Vanuatu aims to eliminate by 2030.

“The Department of Public Health continues its efforts to control and eliminate leprosy by providing free diagnosis and treatment, implementing Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), strengthening partnerships—including with the Pacific Leprosy Foundation—and maintaining high treatment success rates,” Dr Stephens said.

She explained that Post-Exposure Chemoprophylaxis (PEP-SDR) involves a single dose of Rifampicin, administered based on body weight, to eligible household contacts and populations at risk. Rifampicin is a safe and effective medicine that has long been used to treat and control leprosy and tuberculosis, with minimal adverse effects reported.

Dr Stephens stressed that PEP-SDR is not only about medicine distribution but also includes thorough screening, while ensuring privacy and confidentiality for individuals and families involved.

The PEP programme was first implemented in the Maskelyne Islands of Malampa Province in 2024 and 2025, and the Ministry plans to expand the programme to Sanma Province in 2026.

The Ministry of Health is calling on communities to support the National Leprosy Control Programme by understanding the risks of leprosy, encouraging contacts to come forward for screening, and supporting people living with the disease.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a long-term infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It mainly affects the skin and nerves. Health officials stress that leprosy is curable, and once a person begins treatment, they can no longer spread the disease to others. Treatment is safe, effective, and available free of charge at health facilities.

The disease is mainly spread through long and close contact, particularly within households, via respiratory droplets. Multiple Drug Therapy remains the standard and effective treatment used worldwide.

Common signs and symptoms include light or dark skin patches that are not itchy, numbness in the hands or feet, weakness in arms or legs, wounds that do not heal, reduced sweating, and dry areas of skin. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent disability and further transmission.

The theme for World Leprosy Day 2026 is “Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma.” The Ministry of Health emphasises that stigma and discrimination remain major barriers to early diagnosis and treatment.

The Ministry urges all people to learn the signs and symptoms, seek medical care early—especially at main hospitals—support those affected, and help eliminate stigma in families and communities.