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Kathmandu, Bagmati province - The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, with support from WHO and partners, commemorated the seventy-third World Leprosy Day on 25 January, bringing together over 80 stakeholders from government, development partners, civil society and communities affected by leprosy. Observed under the theme “Leprosy is curable, but stigma remains the real challenge”, the event reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to eliminating leprosy and achieving a leprosy-free country. Although Nepal eliminated leprosy as a public health problem in 2010, transmission persists in 16 high-burden districts, requiring targeted, evidence-based interventions. Nepal has reduced new cases by 27% and child cases by 65% since 2019, yet delayed diagnosis, disabilities and stigma remain major concerns. During the programme, Dr Bikash Devkota, Health Secretary, emphasized strategic use of limited resources amid declining global funding for disease elimination programmes. People affected by leprosy also shared their experiences and called for stronger rehabilitation, social protection and an end to discriminatory anti-marriage laws . WHO and partners reaffirmed support for the National Leprosy Strategic Plan 2026–2030.