The World Health Organization (WHO) renews its commitment to the fight against leprosy ahead of World Leprosy Day on 25 January 2026[2]. Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae that affects the skin and peripheral nerves and, if left untreated, can cause permanent disability and social isolation. However, the disease is treatable with multidrug therapy (MDT). In 2024, 172,717 new cases of leprosy were detected worldwide, with 55 countries out of 188 reporting zero cases. WHO has partnered with Novartis since 2000 to provide free MDT and clofazimine to all leprosy patients in the world, and they have just extended this partnership for another five years (2026-2030). The expansion of cooperation also includes financing of single-dose rifampicin for post-exposure prophylaxis. One of the main challenges in the fight against leprosy remains the social stigma associated with the disease, which can be more problematic than the disease itself and can persist even after treatment has ended. The theme of this year's World Leprosy Day is "Leprosy is also curable, this anniversary is a real challenge."