Leprosy data: Epidemiology and surveillance
The Western Pacific Regional Office for the WHO collects and analyses data regarding epidemiological trends and treatment outcomes of leprosy cases. The Regional Office works in conjunction with leprosy programmes in the Region's 37 countries and areas, which use a standard system of reporting.
Regional epidemiological leprosy trends overview
The latest report on the state of leprosy in the Western Pacific Region contains regional data on the notification of new leprosy cases and the status of elimination in the Region. The report spans a decade from 1991-2001 and reviews the epidemiological trend of leprosy during that period.
In summary, the elimination status that was achieved in the 35 countries and areas was sustained, and there were further falls in prevalence and new case detection rates. Four countries with small populations that have fewer than 10 registered cases are considered to have achieved elimination. To date, 99.9% of the regional population lives in the countries have eliminated the disease. Over ten years the prevalence of leprosy has dropped by 85%. However, two priority countries, the Federated States of Micronesia and Marshall Islands, have yet to reach elimination.
Overview and epidemiological review of leprosy in the Western Pacific Region, 1991 - 2001