BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping has pledged that China will increase inputs and take more measures to eliminate leprosy in the country.

China will continue to cooperate with other countries to further progress and innovation in leprology and contribute to the global elimination of leprosy, Xi said in a congratulatory note to the opening of the 19th International Leprosy Congress on Monday.

Leprosy control remains a difficult task for the world and requires continued international cooperation, though great headway has been made, Xi said in the note, which was read by Vice President Li Yuanchao at the opening.

The event, which is themed "Unfinished Business: stopping transmission, preventing disability, promoting inclusion," will play a positive role in achieving a leprosy-free world, according to Xi.

The event, hosted by the China Leprosy Association, was attended by more than 1,300 experts and representatives from nearly 100 countries and regions, including China, the United States, India and Brazil, as well as from international organizations and non-governmental organizations.