Historic Low in Leprosy Cases
Vietnam has made significant strides in public health, achieving a historic low in leprosy cases with only 38 detected in 2025. This marks the lowest annual number of cases ever recorded in the country.
Currently, all provinces and cities in Vietnam have been recognized as leprosy-free zones, with only sporadic cases occurring. At present, there are approximately 6,000 leprosy patients nationwide, primarily those who have previously contracted the disease and have since recovered from the bacterial infection.
Most leper colonies in Vietnam were established from the early 20th century to the 1960s and 1970s in remote and isolated areas. These colonies have historically been stigmatized, leaving many patients feeling abandoned.
Mrs. Lo Thi Coc, a former leprosy patient, shared her struggles, stating, “Back then, my family and I were really struggling, we were very poor, and no one wanted to be close to us for the fear of being infected.” Such sentiments highlight the social challenges faced by those affected.
Support from organizations and individuals has been crucial for many patients. Mr. Joseph That, another leprosy survivor, remarked, “I have no family here, but the Catholic nuns and various organizations help me, so life is a little easier.” This assistance has been vital in improving the quality of life for many.
Sister Nurse Anna Nguyen Thi Xuan, who has dedicated nearly 40 years to caring for patients at the Qua Cam leper colony, was recently awarded the Third Class Labor Medal by the President of Vietnam for her contributions.
In a related development, the Diocese of Thai Binh is building a new facility to serve as a home for those suffering from leprosy, reflecting ongoing efforts to provide care and support.
As Vietnam continues to combat leprosy, Bishop Dominic Dang Van Cau emphasized the importance of community support, stating, “This is not only an act of mercy, but also a concrete way to live the mystery of communion in the Church.”
In addition to health advancements, Vietnam’s tourism sector is also thriving, welcoming nearly 4.7 million international visitors in the first two months of 2026, marking an 18.1% increase compared to the same period last year.
Observers note that the ongoing efforts to eradicate leprosy and promote tourism will likely continue to shape Vietnam’s public health and economic landscape in the coming years.