WER: Global leprosy update, 2016: accelerating reduction of disease burden

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of all new cases of leprosy with multidrug therapy (MDT) remain the key strategies for leprosy control. The strong commitment of national governments, together with technical guidance from WHO, sustained support of donors, availability of MDT, long-term collaboration with nongovernmental organizations and the participation of networks of persons affected by leprosy, has resulted in a reduction in prevalence rates from >5 million cases in the mid-1980s to <200 000 cases at the end of 2016. The reduction in prevalence to <1 case per 10 000 population at global level by 2000 and subsequently at national level in most endemic countries by 2005 marked a significant milestone in the elimination of leprosy as a public health problem. Nonetheless, new cases continue to occur.