Reported cases of leprosy in South Africa
South Africa: Reported cases of leprosy was 18 Cases in 2024. ◆ Volatile
Reported cases of leprosy in South Africa, 2006–2024
Source: World Health Organization – Global Health Observatory (2026) – with minor processing by Our World in Data. Measured in Cases.
Analysis
The most recent figure for reported cases of leprosy in South Africa is 18 Cases, measured in 2024.
That represents a change of up 5.9% on the previous year and down 48.6% over ten years.
Over the whole period, reported cases of leprosy in South Africa peaked at 86 Cases in 2017 and was at its lowest, 15 Cases, in 2012.
South Africa ranks 75th of 181 countries on this measure, in the middle of the range.
Reported cases of leprosy in South Africa, year by year
| Year | Cases | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 38 Cases | — |
| 2007 | 66 Cases | +73.7% |
| 2012 | 15 Cases | -77.3% |
| 2015 | 35 Cases | +133.3% |
| 2017 | 86 Cases | +145.7% |
| 2018 | 50 Cases | -41.9% |
| 2019 | 25 Cases | -50.0% |
| 2023 | 17 Cases | -32.0% |
| 2024 | 18 Cases | +5.9% |
South Africa compared with similar countries
- South Africa's 18 Cases is above the median for upper middle income countries, which is 6 Cases, 3.0× the median. (51 countries reporting)
- South Africa's 18 Cases is below the median for Sub-Saharan Africa, which is 165 Cases, 11% of the median. (47 countries reporting)
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 52 Cases | 38 Cases | 66 Cases | 2 |
| 2010s | 42.2 Cases | 15 Cases | 86 Cases | 5 |
| 2020s | 17.5 Cases | 17 Cases | 18 Cases | 2 |
Countries ranked near South Africa
More reference data data for South Africa
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - Manure applied to Soils 0.5111 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - Manure left on Pasture 8.71 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - IPCC Agriculture 13.63 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - Crop Residues 0.7468 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - Agricultural Soils 13.63 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - Manure applied to Soils 1.71 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - Manure Management 1.49 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - Manure left on Pasture 41.1 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - IPCC Agriculture 63.65 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - Crop Residues 4.07 (2050)
Frequently asked questions
- What is reported cases of leprosy in South Africa?
- Reported cases of leprosy in South Africa was 18 Cases in 2024, according to World Health Organization – Global Health Observatory (2026) – with minor processing by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest reported cases of leprosy recorded in South Africa?
- The highest recorded value was 86 Cases in 2017.
- What is the lowest reported cases of leprosy recorded in South Africa?
- The lowest recorded value was 15 Cases in 2012.
- How does South Africa rank for reported cases of leprosy?
- South Africa ranks 75th out of 181 countries with data for 2024.
- Is reported cases of leprosy rising or falling in South Africa?
- Over the last ten years it is down 48.6%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this South Africa data come from?
- The figures come from World Health Organization – Global Health Observatory (2026) – with minor processing by Our World in Data, published as part of Reported cases of leprosy. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
Download this data
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About this data
The number of new cases of leprosy reported each year. Leprosy is a disease caused by a bacterial infection that can lead to significant disabilities.