Sasakawa Leprosy -Hansen's Disease- Initiative

04/06/2026

The Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative and FELEHANSEN, an organization of persons affected by Hansen’s disease in Colombia, jointly organized a fundraising and awareness event in Cali on May 5, 2026, under the theme “Contigo, Nadie queda atrás” (“With You, No One Is Left Behind”). Event highlights are now available.

The Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative and FELEHANSEN, an orga

28/05/2026

Highlights of a reception marking the 25th anniversary of Mr. Yohei Sasakawa’s service as a global ambassador for leprosy elimination, held on May 18 at the Palais des Nations during the World Health Assembly in Geneva, are now available.

A reception marking the 25th anniversary of Mr. Yohei S

22/05/2026

A key moment at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva: Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination met with health ministers from 16 priority leprosy-endemic countries to strengthen international cooperation toward a world without leprosy.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the dignitaries from each country for generously taking the time to meet with us.

We hope the international community will join us in taking further action so that we reach our shared goal of a world without leprosy and the problems it causes.

The last mile starts now.

22/05/2026

25 years of global advocacy. One shared goal: a world without leprosy.

At a reception during the World Health Assembly in Geneva, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination Yohei Sasakawa renewed his call for global action under the message: “The Last Mile Starts Now.”

Despite progress, around 180,000 new leprosy cases are still reported every year, and stigma and discrimination continue to affect many lives. Governments, WHO, NGOs, and partners gathered to reaffirm their commitment to ending leprosy and protecting the dignity and rights of all persons affected.

Speaking at the reception, Sasakawa said: “Problems and solutions are both found in the field,” adding his pledge to continue working “body and soul” until every person affected by leprosy is reached.

Together, we move forward toward a world without leprosy and the problems it causes.

13/05/2026

Remembering Martha Cecilia Barbosa Ladino, a Colombian who dedicated her career to public health, human rights and the inclusion of vulnerable populations, especially persons affected by Hansen’s disease and persons with disabilities.

✍ Contributed by Lucrecia Vásquez Acevedo, legal

06/05/2026

The transformative power of education to dismantle misconceptions, challenge prejudices and build inclusive societies was the theme of the 2026 Global Appeal to End Stigma and Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy, launched from Belgium.

The Global Appeal 2026 to End Stigma and Discrimination

29/04/2026

The Goodwill Ambassador meets with a president, a health minister and a queen as he continues his high-level advocacy for a world without leprosy and the discrimination it causes.

Meeting with Indonesia’s President and Minister of Heal

28/04/2026

Remembering Doddy Agustinus Tumadduk, a lawyer and activist who dedicated his life to defending the rights of marginalized communities in Indonesia and beyond, particularly persons affected by leprosy.

✍ Contributed by Al Kadri, chair of PerMaTa Indo

22/04/2026

The six members of the global Oversight Committee formed at the 3rd Global Forum of People’s Organizations on Hansen’s Disease share their hopes for the committee’s impact and their expectations of leprosy stakeholders.

In July 2025, with facilitation support from the Sasaka

21/04/2026

Highlights of the National High-Level Conference on Hansen’s disease in Brazil, held on March 12–14 in Rio de Janeiro, are now available.

From March 12 to 14, 2025, the National High-Level Conf