Eliminate Prejudice and Discrimination

Leprosy has ancient origins. For thousands of years, it was a disease with no cure. In the 20th century, treatments were developed and the disease is now curable with drugs that are distributed free of charge.

Unfortunately, perceptions of leprosy that were formed during the centuries when the disease was incurable remain deeply rooted and are reinforced by stigmatizing language. Even today, prejudice and discrimination based on leprosy continue to marginalize people and deny them opportunities for education, marriage and employment.

Tackling the disease is not enough. To achieve a world free of leprosy, it is essential to eliminate the stigma and discrimination, which make it difficult for people to seek treatment, and to restore the dignity of those affected through empowerment.

Sasakawa Health Foundation focuses on the following activities to eliminate stigma and discrimination against leprosy:

• Strengthening the foundations of organizations of persons affected by leprosy at the heart of addressing the issues, strengthening networks between them, empowering the individuals concerned and carrying out activities to eliminate discrimination.
• Advocacy activities in collaboration with the WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination and the UN Special Rapporteur on leprosy.
• Awareness-raising activities to promote interest in and understanding of leprosy issues.

List of organizations that we support
Click here to read about the activities of the Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative.