It is with great sadness that we learnt of the recent passing of Dr Shaik Khader Noordeen at the age of 88.
Dr Noordeen, a renowned leprologist from Chennai, India, was the director of the WHO’s Action Programme for the Elimination of Leprosy from 1994 to 1998 – during the crucial years that saw the global roll-out and implementation of multidrug therapy (MDT) which remains, to this day, the main tool for the treatment and elimination of the disease.
Notably, Dr Noordeen strongly supported global efforts to reduce stigma and social exclusion associated with leprosy, by disseminating information on the effectiveness of treatment, and by making it available for free to all those in need through large-scale donations made to WHO.
Prior to that and in 1991, Dr Noordeen had played a crucial role in the adoption of World Health Assembly Resolution 44.9 which reaffirmed WHO’s commitment “to attain the global elimination of leprosy as a public health problem by the year 2000”.
After his retirement, Dr Noordeen contributed in many ways to the global fight against leprosy. He led the International Leprosy Association, was a Founding Trustee and Chair of the Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation and a Member of the Technical Resource Group of India’s National Leprosy Eradication Programme. Before joining WHO, Dr Noordeen had led the Central Leprosy Training and Research Institute in his native state of Tamil Nadu.
In recognition of his contribution and work, the Government of India honoured him with the prestigious Padma Shri Award.
Dr Noordeen was passionate about leprosy and contributed to transform a disease of neglected people into a solvable public health problem. His legacy inspires all of us to continue the work for the global control and elimination of leprosy.
WHO conveys its sincere condolences to Dr Noordeen’s family and relatives.