Discrimination still a hurdle
Indepth Articles
[Feb. 09, 2010]
Declaration Ceremony in Nepal
Nepal is known as the gateway to the Himalayas. Until two months ago, it was also listed among the final three nations in the world to be leprosy-endemic. In December 2009, however, Nepal achieved the goal of leprosy elimination "as a public health problem" (defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “less than one person in ten thousand”).
On January 19, Nippon Foundation chairman Yohei Sasakawa, in his role as WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, attended a ceremony hosted by the Government of Nepal, where the achievement was announced. At present, only Brazil and East Timor have yet to eliminate the disease.
At the ceremony, held in Kathmandu, Health Minister Chowdhurry and Director Thakur of the Department of Health Services' Epidemiology and Disease Control Division were present. Also in attendance were representatives from the WHO NGOs, the media, and people affected by leprosy.
Sasakawa and Nepalese Minister of Health Chowdhurry (left)
Minister of Health Chowdhurry declared that the nation was proud to have been able to conquer leprosy, but would keep moving forward until it is eradicated."
Chairman Sasakawa said, "This success is a result of the efforts of everyone involved. But, as Minister Chowdhurry said, we must continue to work ever harder. I will continue to return to Nepal until leprosy is eradicated and there is no more discrimination toward people who have been affected by the disease.”
Chairman Jha
Chairman Jha of the Federation of Journalists in Nepal said, "The Media has a very important role. In Nepal, there are many problems besides leprosy, but we must think what we can do for this problem from the media's side." He appealed to the reporters assembled there to fully use the power of the media and cooperate on the task of eradicating the disease.
Dr. Pant
At the reception after the ceremony, WHO leprosy administrator Pant commented, "The goal is not elimination. The most difficult part of climbing Everest is the last part," showing a tenacious determination to deal with the leprosy issue.
Many people who have recovered from leprosy also attended the ceremony. One commmented that "Elimination has been achieved, but there still are many social problems left," worrying about the future support of Ministry of Health and WHO.