During the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79), held in Geneva from May 19–21, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination Yohei Sasakawa conducted a series of high-level meetings with health ministers, government representatives, and senior WHO officials to strengthen international commitment toward a world free from leprosy and its consequences.

Over the course of three days, the Goodwill Ambassador met with delegations from 16 leprosy-endemic countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kiribati, the Federated States of Micronesia, Nepal, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, and Tanzania. Most meetings were held directly with ministers of health or senior officials responsible for national health policy.

The discussions focused on progress made in fight against leprosy and the challenges that remain in interrupting transmission, preventing disability, and eliminating stigma and discrimination.

A particularly productive discussion took place with representatives of Tanzania. Recognizing the need to further accelerate efforts against leprosy, the Goodwill Ambassador committed to visiting the country in the near future to support ongoing activities and strengthen collaboration with national stakeholders.

In addition to meetings with country delegations, the Goodwill Ambassador met with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and five regional leaders from across the organization. During the Assembly’s plenary meeting, Dr. Tedros also recognized Mr. Sasakawa’s 25 years of service as WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination and commended his enduring commitment to a world free from leprosy.

The discussions throughout WHA79 highlighted the importance of maintaining leprosy as a public health priority within broader health and development agendas. As the global community moves closer to achieving its shared vision of ending leprosy and the discrimination associated with it, the message of the Goodwill Ambassador’s renewed campaign resonates with increasing urgency: The Last Mile Starts Now.