Jordan has become the first leprosy-free country in world as recognized by World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus welcomed the honour bestowed upon Jordan and noted that the achievement is another success story to be added to the country's rich repertoire of collective work towards ending malaria transmission and stigma.
Recognition of Public Health Achievements in Jordan and Eradication of Leprosy
Significance of Achievement:
- Jordan will continue to innovate and use these successes in public health, one of the significant achievements showing strategies applied by reducing disease effects.
- More than 20 years the country has seen good political will, comprehensive health programs to control and eliminate Leprosy.
- The confirmation was made by the WHO late on Monday following a visit by an independent team of experts who found that efforts were under way in Jordan to control preventable diseases.
What This Means for Other Countries:
- When it comes to the public health circumstances, this could serve as a perfect example for many other countries around the globe on how important is proper planning and implementation.
- While it is deemed eradicated, WHO and Jordan's Ministry of Health call for ongoing vigilance against new cases.
Leprosy:
- Causing disfigurement and nerve damage, Leprosy is a chronic disease of the skin, nerves, and body tissues.
- Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD): Over 200,000 new cases per year in >120 countries.
About Jordan:
- The Jordan River, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea and the largest olive tree in the world are some of the historical landmarks that make Jordan a popular travel destination.
Month: Current Affairs - October 10, 2024
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