The Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative and FELEHANSEN, an organization of persons affected by Hansen’s disease in Colombia, jointly organized a fundraising and awareness event in Cali on May 5, 2026. Held under the theme “Contigo, Nadie queda atrás” (“With You, No One is Left Behind”), the event successfully raised more than COP 10 million (approximately USD 2,600), exceeding its fundraising target while bringing together persons affected by Hansen’s disease, community members, health professionals, and representatives of the Miss Supranational.
Approximately 130 people attended the event, including around 30 persons affected by Hansen’s disease. Participants from Miss Supranational included Ms. Eduarda Braum of Brazil, Miss Supranational 2025, and Ms. Daniela Roldán, the representative of Colombia.
Funds were raised through admission fees of approximately USD 8.50 per participant, as well as individual donations and small merchandise sales. The proceeds will support FELEHANSEN’s efforts to strengthen community-based support and advocacy activities for persons affected by Hansen’s disease across Colombia.
The event opened with a personal testimony from Ms. Yurani Granada of FELEHANSEN, who shared her experiences as a person affected by Hansen’s disease and the challenges of stigma and discrimination. This was followed by a panel discussion featuring representatives from the local health department, hospitals, universities, religious organizations, the Miss Supranational representatives, and the Sasakawa Health Foundation. Participants discussed ways to promote greater understanding of Hansen’s disease and advance efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination.
Both Miss Supranational representatives emphasized the importance of increasing public awareness and amplifying the voices of persons affected by Hansen’s disease. Drawing on their platforms and outreach, they encouraged broader societal engagement in efforts to eliminate prejudice and promote inclusion.
A highlight of the event was “Desfile Sin Etiquetas” (“Fashion Show Without Labels”), which brought together persons affected by Hansen’s disease, Miss Supranational representatives, and other participants on the runway. The show celebrated dignity, confidence, and inclusion, creating an enthusiastic atmosphere and the message that no one should be defined by a disease or social label.
The event demonstrated the leadership and organizational capacity of FELEHANSEN. By successfully mobilizing resources, engaging diverse stakeholders, and exceeding its fundraising target, the organization showed how persons affected by Hansen’s disease can lead sustainable community initiatives and build partnerships across multiple sectors.
By combining a persons-affected-led awareness initiative with the participation of Miss Supranational representatives and a fashion show, the event showcased an innovative model that blended awareness-raising with fundraising. The approach generated significant visibility and public engagement beyond what is achieved through conventional awareness activities, highlighting its potential to reach diverse audiences and strengthen support for organizations of persons affected by Hansen’s disease. Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative Young Scholar Program scholar Ms. Mayra Alejandra Murillo Cortez played a key role in coordinating the event. FELEHANSEN President Ms. Lucrecia Vásquez Acevedo expressed hope that similar community-led initiatives would be replicated in Colombia and beyond.
