The President of the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL), Maya Ranavare, participated in the ILEP and Advisory Members Panel Meeting held in Bali, Indonesia. This significant gathering brought together global stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing the rights, dignity, and inclusion of people affected by leprosy. As a respected leader and voice of the leprosy-affected community in India, Ms. Ranavare contributed valuable insights based on APAL’s grassroots experiences and advocacy efforts. Her presence underscored the importance of including lived experiences in shaping global policies and programs that directly impact affected individuals and communities.

During the meeting, an important focus was placed on the advocacy services provided to people affected by leprosy worldwide. These discussions explored how effective advocacy not only raises awareness but also ensures that governments and institutions are held accountable for delivering health, social, and legal services in a non-discriminatory and rights-based manner. Maya Ranavare emphasized the need for inclusive and sustained engagement with affected communities at all levels, particularly in decision-making spaces. She also highlighted APAL’s continued commitment to amplifying the voices of those who remain marginalized due to leprosy-related stigma.

A key moment of the meeting was the participation of Ms. Beatriz Miranda-Galarza, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members. Ms. Miranda-Galarza shared her ongoing efforts to address structural and systemic discrimination on an international scale, including her collaborations with civil society and affected persons. Her presence brought renewed attention to the need for legal reform, awareness, and accountability to eradicate stigma. Maya Ranavare and others are expressed gratitude for Ms. Miranda-Galarza’s work and called for continued solidarity and international support to advance the rights and welfare of those affected by leprosy globally.