Nepal Leprosy Conference held

Kathmandu, Bagmati province  - The Ministry of Health and Population, with support from the Sasakawa Health Foundation, WHO and national partners, convened the Nepal Leprosy Conference 2025 from 8-9 May. Over 200 participants - including persons affected by Leprosy, MOHP officials, provincial health directors, leprosy focal persons, health workers, academicians and partner representatives - gathered to foster dialogue in advancing the shared goal of leprosy elimination in Nepal. During the opening session, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment through the Healthy Nepal Campaign, legal reforms and public awareness. Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel stressed the need for national priorities and a strategic framework to guide Nepal’s progress. The conference served as a critical platform to advocate for political commitment, explore innovative strategies for high-burden areas, and build consensus on strengthening legal and systemic frameworks to combat stigma and ensure inclusion. Discussions focused on achievements, persistent gaps and challenges, culminating in key recommendations to guide the forthcoming National Leprosy Strategy 2026-2030. The event reaffirmed national commitment, accountability and unity to accelerate elimination of leprosy in Nepal. WHO will continue supporting the MoHP in achieving the goal of interrupting leprosy transmission by 2030, including the development and implementation of the National Leprosy Elimination Strategy 2026-2030.