From July 6 to 9, 2025, Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, visited locations on Bali, Madura, and Java islands in Indonesia and energetically participated in various activities.
July 6: 3rd Global Forum of People’s Organizations on Hansen’s Disease
On the first day, the Goodwill Ambassador joined the 3rd Global Forum of People’s Organizations on Hansen’s Disease, which was hosted by the Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative in Bali. This forum, informed by the experiences of the past two gatherings, adopted a “people-centered approach,” placing persons affected by leprosy at its core. The program was shaped on the basis of surveys, regional online meetings, and needs assessments conducted by persons affected by leprosy. Over 110 people’s organization representatives from 21 countries participated in the event. In his speech, the Goodwill Ambassador expressed gratitude and encouragement, emphasizing that the efforts of persons affected by leprosy are essential to achieving zero leprosy.
July 7: 22nd International Leprosy Congress and government high-level meeting
At the opening ceremony of the 22nd International Leprosy Congress (ILC), also held in Bali, Goodwill Ambassador Sasakawa joined Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin in symbolically demonstrating their shared commitment to moving towards a world with zero leprosy. In his speech, the Goodwill Ambassador emphasized that the fight against stigma and discrimination can only succeed with the active participation of persons affected by leprosy. He closed his speech with words urging cooperation: “If we listen to the voices of persons affected by leprosy and unite our efforts, a leprosy-free world will be an attainable dream. Let us together make the impossible possible.”
Following the ceremony, the Goodwill Ambassador and the Minister of Health attended a high-level meeting where enhanced measures for making progress towards elimination (interruption of transmission) were formally announced, including the implementation of large-scale screenings in five priority regions of the country. The participation of senior officials from the five regions underscored the Indonesian government’s commitment to following through on the plan.
July 8: Visit to Sampang Regency, East Java
The Goodwill Ambassador and the Minister of Health visited Sampang Regency on Madura Island in East Java Province, one of the areas targeted for enhanced measures. At a ceremony held at the regency office, the Minister of Health encouraged staff to think of an increase in the number of new cases as a necessary step along the path towards controlling the disease. To reinforce the message and boost motivation, a competition was announced: among the province’s 22 government-mandated community health clinics (puskesmas), those with the highest number of new cases will receive cash awards. The Minister of Health himself will conduct monthly monitoring meetings and on-site inspections every three months to help ensure ongoing effort.
Following the ceremony, the leaders moved from the government office to a local community where they had the opportunity to talk directly with persons affected by leprosy.
July 9: Visit to Probolinggo Regency, East Java
On the final day, the Goodwill Ambassador visited Probolinggo Regency on the island of Java in East Java Province, where he met with regency-level government officials as well as religious leaders and carried out awareness-raising activities. The governor of East Java Province agreed to establish a provincial-level committee for leprosy control involving the government, religious groups, and civil society representatives.
