A conference of historic significance took place on 7 September in Kolkata.
The National Forum Eastern Regional Conference on Social Integration and Empowerment of Persons Affected By Leprosy was held in the heart of this great Indian city, attended by hundreds of leprosy affected people from four Indian states (West Bengal, Orissa, Jharkhand, and Assam), high ranking state officials of the West Bengal government, World Health Organization (WHO) representatives, and leading members of the national movement to uphold the human rights and dignity of people who once had leprosy.

The conference was sponsored by The Nippon Foundation, and organized by the International Association for Integration, Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA), and the German Leprosy & TB Relief Association.

A key speaker at the National Forum was Yohei Sasakawa, President of the Nippon Foundation and WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination. Mr Sasakawa told the conference: "Initially, many experts said that leprosy could not be eliminated from India. But thanks to you and everyone concerned, you made the impossible possible. Leprosy was eliminated as a public health problem in 2005. The prevalence rate of the disease is now below 1 case per 10,000 population. India will soon reach the goal at state level also." He also stressed the fact that due to the existence of multi-drug therapy which totally cures leprosy in all those who once had it, the eventual goal of total elimination is now within reach.

"This is the result of close cooperation between government, health workers, NGOs and volunteer organizations. It is the fruit of their unrelenting effort, their sweat, and their tears. This achievement has been internationally acclaimed. I thank them for their dedication and hard work," added Mr Sasakawa.

Dr. P.K. Gopal

While this is cause for celebration at many levels, the fight for social acceptance is a major battle that must still be waged, according to Mr Sasakawa and other delegates at the Forum, including Dr P.K. Gopal, President of the International Association for Integration, Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA-India). This organization, which is the world's first NGO of its kind ---comprised of those affected by leprosy--has helped thousands of people to find their own footing in a world that insists on discriminating against them.



In an interview Dr. Gopal said, "the main purpose of the Forum is to create a national network with all people either affected by leprosy or working on leprosy issues to have better communication among themselves and with the key national and state government leaders and WHO. This is necessary in order to mutually support each other to achieve the goal of bringing people affected by leprosy into the mainstream of society in terms of social acceptance. This includes the long term purpose of supporting people affected by leprosy to get jobs in mainstream India, as well as eliminating discrimination against their families, especially their children."

The first National Forum took place in Delhi, the capital of India, in December 2005, the result of an idea and conversation between Mr Sasakawa and Dr Gopal earlier that year. It was an emotional occasion as representatives of different leprosy colonies throughout the country were invited to attend the meeting. It was the first time in the nation's history that people affected by leprosy came together to make their voices heard in society, particularly on the national level. At that first Forum one woman said: "I got something I never got in the past 30 years since I had leprosy -- respect and dignity as a human being."

The National Forum is now an annual event, being held in different locations in India. Leaders of the Forum say that as more people take part, the rights of leprosy affected people will be understood by more mainstream Indians, and there will eventually be an eradication of the discrimination that stems from society's prejudiced view of leprosy.

In his talk to the participants of the Forum, Mr Sasakawa compared their activities to the sacred and powerful Ganges River, saying that all the branches of their movement will eventually flow together from throughout the country into one mighty river like the Ganges to bring about the elimination of leprosy and social discrimination.