WHO, Mauritania on the way to leprosy free status

Based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) website, Mauritania has witnessed a substantial decrease in leprosy cases over the past fifteen years. This decline can be attributed to the nation’s ongoing commitment to the prevention, detection, and treatment of the disease. In 2023, only 17 new cases were reported, a significant decrease from the 42 cases recorded in 2010. The Mauritanian government has recognised the importance of a multifaceted approach to combating the disease, characterised by its high contagiousness and the potential for severe complications if left untreated. This comprehensive strategy incorporates prevention, active case research, treatment of complications, and social stigma mitigation. The government’s efforts in this regard, in collaboration with the WHO and international partners, have been instrumental in eliminating leprosy as a public health problem in Mauritania. The WHO’s comprehensive strategy, encompassing the treatment of active cases, public awareness initiatives, and patient monitoring, has contributed to an increase in the treatment completion rate to over 90% in 2023. Mauritania is currently working to halt the spread of the disease and attain the objective of zero leprosy cases. The nation has also incorporated leprosy screening and treatment within the scope of its all-encompassing Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) control programme.