Chile Becomes First Nation in the Americas to Eradicate Leprosy
Globally, Chile is the second nation to achieve this milestone after Jordan, and the 61st country overall to eliminate at least one Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD).
To meet WHO elimination standards, a country must maintain a prevalence rate of less than 1 case per 10,000 people and zero local transmission for three years.
Significance: This achievement validates the WHO Global Leprosy Strategy 2021–2030, which emphasizes early detection and zero pediatric cases for five consecutive years.
Key Facts / Static GK
PAHO: Pan American Health Organization.
Chile Capital: Santiago.
Chile Currency: Chilean Peso.
Practice Quiz — 9 March 2026
Q1. What is the total value of the Open Market Operation (OMO) bond purchase announced by the RBI for March 2026?
Q2. According to WHO standards, what is the required prevalence rate for a country to be considered to have eliminated leprosy as a public health problem?
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the Hurun Rich List 2026: 1. India added a net total of 57 billionaires last year. 2. Mumbai is the billionaire capital of Asia. 3. Ritesh Agarwal is the youngest billionaire in India. Which of the statements is/are correct?
Q4. Which Indian state is the first to propose a ban on social media usage for children under the age of 16 in its 2026-27 budget?
Q5. Match the entity with its role in the SBI USD 500 Million Social Loan: 1. SBI - a. Mandated Lead Arranger 2. MUFG - b. Borrower 3. SDG-5 - c. Target Goal
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