The International Leprosy Association, founded in 1931, is a Professional Society of physicians, scientists, and individuals and organizations in related areas, working to understand and relieve the problems associated with leprosy. From its inception, the primary goal of the ILA has been to provide up-to-date, medically and scientifically accurate information about this disease to all professionals who desire such knowledge.

The two major means of accomplishing this have been the publication of The International Journal of Leprosy and the organization of International Leprosy Congress every 3-4 years. Unfortunately, due to rising costs, the Journal has become financially unviable and publication ceased after Volume 73 (2005).

The most recent of the Congresses, the 21st International Leprosy Congress, was held in Hyderabad, India from 8-11, November 2022.