Leprosy is one of the world's oldest and most misunderstood diseases. More than 30 years later, it is now curable, but it still has a stigmatizing power.
Hansen's disease, or leprosy, is an infection that primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucous membranes, and eyes and can be treated with a combination of drugs called multidrug therapy (MDT). If left untreated, it can cause disability.
However, medical intervention alone is not enough to achieve a world free of leprosy and the problems it causes. As we move towards stopping and eliminating leprosy transmission, we must also address the social and psychological aspects of the disease.
Together, we must do more to eliminate the stigma associated with leprosy and promote the dignity of people affected by leprosy.
Stigma deters people from seeking treatment, puts people at risk of disability, and contributes to ongoing infections. Eliminating leprosy therefore requires not only renewed political commitment and access to leprosy treatment services, but also awareness-raising to reduce stigma and increase the social participation of people with leprosy.
Whose Global Hansen's Disease Strategy 2021-2030 “Towards zero Hansen's disease (Hansen's disease)” has made fighting prejudice and respecting human rights one of its four main pillars.This is also an annual goal. Global appeal to end stigma and discrimination against people with leprosyan initiative launched by the Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative in 2006.
This year, Global Appeal 2024 will be jointly launched by WHO and the Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative. By supporting this year's Global Appeal, WHO is joining the long list of individuals and organizations dedicated to calling for a world where all people affected by leprosy live with dignity and enjoy all fundamental human rights. Will be added to the list.
WHO and the Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative call for an informed and inclusive society where all members of the community have a role to play and can contribute towards a world free of leprosy through:
- Self-education: Learn the facts about leprosy, its curability, and the importance of early treatment and possible prevention.
- Encourage hope for treatment: If you encounter a suspected case of leprosy, prompt treatment is essential. Treatment is available free of charge in all affected countries. Encourage people to seek help.
- Refuse discrimination: Treat all people with compassion and respect, regardless of their health status.
- Spread awareness: Share accurate information about leprosy and challenge stereotypes within your community.
This is the third year, A global appeal to end prejudice and discrimination against people with Hansen's disease, This event is part of the “Remember Leprosy'' campaign, and marks the third year since the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the 30th as “World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day''.th focused attention on a group of 21 diseases, including leprosy, that primarily affect the world's poorest people.
All these initiatives such as World NTD Day, World Leprosy Day, the Global Appeal and the Remember Leprosy campaign can unite us and accelerate progress towards a leprosy-free world.
On World Leprosy Day, we reiterate our call for a person-centred approach to tackling stigma, discrimination, and psychological and social well-being as part of our common journey towards society. reach the unreachedaccomplish universal health insuranceachieve health for all.
On this day and throughout the year, let us unite. Activities. Eliminate leprosy.