To end stigma and discrimination against people affected by leprosy

Every year, in conjunction with World Leprosy Day on the last Sunday of January, Mr Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, leads a Global Appeal to end stigma and discrimination against people affected by Leprosy.

Leprosy is as much a social as a medical condition. Despite being a curable disease for which treatment is available free of cost, there are several prevailing myths including the disease being hereditary and caused by divine punishment for past sins, largely stemming from the ‘fear of unknown’ or lack of awareness about the disease. A major obstacle to the uplift of the status of persons affected by Leprosy is the social stigma arising from the disabling and disfiguring nature of the condition in a few of those affected.

The Global Appeal is made to raise awareness in society regarding the fact that Leprosy is a curable disease with treatment available free of cost and that discrimination against persons affected by leprosy is unjustifiable. The first Global Appeal was made in 2006.