Sri Lanka continues fight against leprosy, targets elimination by 2035

Colombo, Nov. 6 (Daily Mirror) - Although Sri Lanka successfully eliminated leprosy as a public health threat in 1995, new cases continue to emerge, Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Addressing the National Leprosy Conference today in Colombo, held under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Dr. Jayatissa revealed that each year approximately 1,500–2,000 new leprosy cases are detected, with around 10% affecting children under ten.

The Minister highlighted that the government is implementing a structured programme aimed at making Sri Lanka leprosy-free by 2035. Key measures include early detection of patients, improving hospital treatments and facilities, and implementing systematic rehabilitation programmes for those living with disabilities.

Dr. Jayatissa expressed confidence that the conference would strengthen national efforts to halt the transmission of leprosy. He also thanked the World Health Organization and the Sasakawa Foundation for their continuous support in Sri Lanka’s leprosy eradication mission.

The Minister explained that approximately 40% of new cases are reported from the Western Province, with the highest numbers in Colombo District, followed by Batticaloa, Gampaha, Kurunegala, and Kalutara Districts.

This renewed focus marks a significant step in Sri Lanka’s ongoing battle to fully eliminate leprosy.