Leprosy – Ancient Disease Still a Cruel Reality

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is still a cruel reality in developing countries. This ancient disease is still a major world health problem; every two minutes someone is diagnosed with leprosy.

Leprosy Statistics
• 141 countries reported leprosy in 2009.
• Nearly 250,000 new cases are diagnosed every year, and many more go undetected. Approximately 10% of these new cases
are in children.
• 3 to 4 million people have disabilities as a result of leprosy.
• 16 countries in Africa, Asia and South American accounted for 93% of all new cases detected in 2009.

Answers to frequently asked questions about leprosy.


Leprosy and Buruli ulcer persist in the poorest and most marginalized communities around the globe. They thrive in places with unsafe water and limited access to basic health care.

The two, related diseases can both cause crippling disabilities. And affected people often face difficult lives of shame and isolation.

For more than 100 years, ALM has been leading the global fight against these devastating diseases.

Join us in our mission to find suffering children and adults before
leprosy and Buruli ulcer maim bodies and destroy dreams.Donate now.