Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a treatable granulomatous condition caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis. These bacteria disproportionately affect poor communities around the world. They have a tropism for skin histiocytes, endothelial cells and Schwann cells, causing nerve and skin damage. This often leads to disability, permanent disfigurement, stigma and social exclusion. Despite the successes in understanding the disease, its elimination is hindered by the lack of sensitive diagnostic tools. The problem is also the suboptimal integration of preventive interventions, persistent stigmatization and the inability to address socioeconomic and demographic risk factors.