At our meeting on 28 May, club member Stephen McMillan delivered a stimulating presentation titled “Leprosy: The Third Domino.” Stephen explained that humanity has already toppled one major infectious disease domino with the eradication of smallpox and is close to toppling a second through the near-eradication of polio. The third domino, he argued, is leprosy—a disease that remains a significant global health challenge but one that could be eliminated with sustained international effort.

Leprosy—more accurately known as Hansen's disease—is fundamentally considered a disease of disadvantage. It is officially classified by global health authorities as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) that disproportionately impacts the world's most vulnerable and marginalised populations. Leprosy is rare in Australia, with only 5 to 13 cases reported annually. Infections primarily occur among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in remote northern regions, and among overseas migrants.

It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, affects the skin, nerves and mucous membranes. While it is completely treatable, delayed diagnosis can lead to permanent disability due to loss of sensation and nerve damage. Around 200,000 people are diagnosed with leprosy each year across 124 countries, with India, Brazil and Indonesia accounting for approximately three-quarters of all cases. An estimated five million people worldwide continue to live with leprosy-related disability and the social stigma often associated with the disease. 

Stephen highlighted the global movement towards a world free of leprosy, led by organisations including the World Health Organization, the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations and the Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy. Their ambitious “Triple Zero” goal for 2035 aims for zero transmission, zero disability and zero discrimination. Encouraging progress is already being made, with Jordan becoming the first country validated by the WHO as having eliminated leprosy transmission in 2025, followed by Chile in March this year. Stephen's presentation reminded us that, with continued commitment and collaboration, the third domino may eventually be ready for that final push.

The presentation highlighted Rotary’s long-standing commitment to disease prevention and the power of international partnerships to improve lives around the world.

 

Astrida Upitis