Leprosy Bulletin 119

 
MESSAGE FROM THE AMBASSADOR

Doing everything we can to achieve zero leprosy

In 2006, I initiated the first Global Appeal to end stigma and discrimination against persons affected by leprosy. Since then, the Global Appeal has become an annual event, always scheduled to launch at around the time of World Leprosy Day. Read More

REPORT

Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative partners with World Health Organization to launch Global Appeal 2024 in Geneva

The Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative and the World Health Organization (WHO) partnered to launch this year’s Global Appeal to end stigma and discrimination against persons affected by leprosy at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Read more

VIEWPOINT

WHO supports Bangladesh’s new strategic plan

Leprosy is an ancient neglected tropical disease that still occurs in more than 120 countries across the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 174,087 new cases were detected globally in 2022, corresponding to a detection rate of 21.8 per million population. Read more

VIEWPOINT

Cross-border issues: A vital consideration for leprosy elimination programs

When we talk about leprosy, the focus cannot be just within the boundaries of a single country. The disease does not recognize borders, and thus, cooperation and coordination between neighboring countries are essential for effective elimination. Read more

LETTER

My experience at Purple Fest in Goa, India

I am Mohan Arikonda. I am a person facing the challenges posed by the disease of leprosy. I am delighted to share that I recently had the opportunity to participate in the International Purple Festival held in Goa, Jan. 8–13, 2024, thanks to the generous support of the Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative. Read more

LETTER

Miss Supranational 2023 visits Iquitos, Peru

I recently had the incredible opportunity to visit Iquitos, Peru, to experience firsthand the work being done there by a phenomenal team. During my visit, I was deeply moved by the resilience and strength of the people I met, particularly Silvia, the leader of the association of persons affected by Hansen’s disease in Loreto. Read more

AMBASADDOR’S JOURNAL

Kicking off 2024 from Geneva and Tanzania

In January, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination Yohei Sasakawa traveled to WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, for the annual Global Appeal to end stigma and discrimination against persons affected by leprosy. Soon afterward, in February, he visited Tanzania to raise the “Don’t Forget Leprosy” banner on Mt. Kilimanjaro. Read more