The 17th Global Appeal to End Stigma and Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy has been released online.

This year, Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative has invited the world’s philanthropic foundations to join the annual appeal, which calls for an end to the marginalization of persons who have experienced leprosy and the realization of a just and equitable society that respects the human dignity and fundamental freedom of all its members. A total of 35 foundations from 13 countries have signed up.

The Global Appeal website features messages of support from different stakeholders, including Brazil’s Minister of Women, Family and Human Rights Ms. Damares Alves, a dialogue between Mr. Jamshyd Godrej, President of CII Foundation and Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, discussing what philanthropic foundations can do to help end stigma and discrimination in leprosy, and a photo exhibition on the theme of “Don’t forget leprosy”.