On 31st January 2024, Mrs. Maya Ranavare delivered her message at Global Appeal 2024 to End Stigma and Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy will be signed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Appeal, which will be launched at a ceremony at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on January 31, 2024, is being signed by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination Yohei Sasakawa.
The event is being organized by the Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative as part of its “Don’t Forget Leprosy” campaign. Since 1975, the Initiative has worked closely with the WHO toward the common goal of eliminating leprosy.
Global Appeal 2024 calls for a world where no one is left behind because of a treatable disease, aiming to break the chains of discrimination and ensure dignity for all.
Mrs. Maya’s delivered message is The eradication of discrimination against individuals affected by leprosy necessitates a collaborative effort.
It is imperative that countries establish laws and policies that acknowledge and address this issue, and involve those affected by leprosy in policy-making to address the problem of discrimination, particularly concerning leprosy.
Countries must also recognize their obligation to prevent third parties from discriminating against persons affected by leprosy, as mandated by international and domestic law. It is also essential that the fourth pillar of non-discrimination in the Global Strategy is not left behind and that all human rights are recognized as universal, interrelated, interdependent, and indivisible.
Individuals affected by leprosy should be recognized as experts with ample experience and be placed at the forefront of strategies aimed at interrupting leprosy transmission. Moreover, the World Health Organization must accord equal significance to all aspects of the Global Strategy.
