From Lepra.

I hope you are well. Earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) released their annual global leprosy statistics. The figures give a mixed picture at the midpoint of the WHO Global Leprosy Strategy 2021–2030. Reported new cases fell by 3.1%, from 172,717 in 2024 to 167,356 in 2025. But this headline figure does not tell the whole story. The picture among children is particularly concerning. 8,344 new child cases were reported in 2025, representing 5% of all new cases. 284 children developed Grade 2 Disability in 2025 compared with 256 in 2024, an increase of around 11%, across 33 countries. Children developing leprosy is already an indicator of recent transmission. When a child develops ‘grade two disability’, it suggests that diagnosis has been delayed long enough for visible impairment to occur. At Lepra, we believe that active-case finding is key to early detection and treating cases before lasting disabilities develop. You can read our full breakdown of the WHO’s global leprosy statistics, here. When children are affected by leprosy, it can not only affect them physically but socially and emotionally. They can face isolation at school, from friends and even family. A new study published by Lepra and research partners concerns stigma and discrimination among children affected by leprosy. The study has found that misinformation and poor knowledge of the disease remain some of the main drivers behind the stigma and discrimination faced by children affected by leprosy. The review provides a strong evidence base which will help to shape the future of programme design and public health interventions, which aim to remove the barriers to treatment for children, young people, and in turn, the wider community. You can read more information and find a link to the study, here.

We understand that elimination is not only about the reduction of new cases, but also our commitment to the countless people who are living with the consequences of the disease. With your support, we can continue to make sure that people affected by leprosy have access to early diagnosis, treatment and the vital support which helps reduce the long-term impact of the disease. Thank you, Maria del Mar Marais Head of Programme Management, Lepra UK Donate today and make a difference tomorrow Copyright © 2026 Lepra, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have either asked us to send you news and updates on our website or Just Giving, or because you have been identified as having legitimate interest in the information contained within this email. This is in accordance with GDPR. Lepra is a registered charity. Register Charity Number 213251 (England and Wales), SC039715 (Scotland). Our mailing address is: Lepra 28 Middleborough Colchester, Essex CO1 1TG United Kingdom Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. Patron: His Majesty King Charles III Vice President: His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester KG, GCVO Registered charity number: 00213251 (England and Wales) SCO39715 (Scotland)