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2nd National Leprosy Conference held in Bangladesh

The 2nd National Conference on Leprosy in Bangladesh was held in the capital Dhaka on November 12, 2023, during which a National Strategic Plan for Leprosy 2023-2030 was launched.

Among the approximately 300 people taking part were Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Minister of Health and Family Welfare Zahid Maleque and Health Secretary Md. Jahangir Alam, who attended the inaugural session on how to achieve zero leprosy in Bangladesh by 2030.

Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination also participated and expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Hasina for her commitment to realizing zero leprosy and assured her of his cooperation on the journey to achieve that goal.

Others taking part in the one-day conference included medical professionals, NGOs, and representatives of organizations of people affected by leprosy, including the ALO Society and the Bogura Federation, with participants renewing the pledge made at the 1st National Conference in 2019 to realize zero leprosy by 2030.

H.E. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Mr. Zahid Maleque, Minister of Health and Family Welfare
Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination
Participants were treated to a performance of traditional Bangladeshi dance at the opening ceremony.
Participants raising hand panels in support for Zero Leprosy in Bangladesh by 2030.
Members of the ALO Society who attended
the conference pose for a commemorative photo.