I would like to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to Her
Excellency Dr. Mantombazana Tshabalala Msimang, Health Minister of
the Republic of South Africa, for opening this congress with such
a wonderful song. I also had the opportunity to speak with Her
Excellency before the meeting. I was highly encouraged to hear
from her that, although the issue of leprosy has not been
addressed extensively so far during her term, she realized that
there is a need to do more to inform the media and general public
about the disease, and that she would do her best to adjust her
schedule so that she can attend the upcoming workshop on Robben
Island. As you know, this Congress has been organized by ILA,
under the leadership of Dr. Nordeen. Dr. Nordeen has always been
at the forefront of the medical battle against leprosy. His
results to date have been phenomenal. I would like to express my
deepest admiration for Dr. Nordeen for bringing together here
today, not only the members of ILA, but a wide group of
participants, including members of IDEA, ILEP and other
organizations dedicated to the battle against leprosy. I firmly
believe that we have all gathered here together for a common
purpose: To create a world free of leprosy and a world free of
discrimination.

As you know, WHO has been working toward the goal of reducing the
prevalence rate of leprosy to less than one case in 10,000 people
in every country in the world by the end of 2005, and drugs have
been made available free of charge everywhere in the world in
hopes of achieving this goal. The achievement of this goal will by
no means mark the end of the battle against leprosy. However,
there is no doubt that it is a very important milestone. I hope
that we can all come together and work toward this goal.

I visited India before coming here and was glad to learn that they
have reduced the prevalence rate to 1.98. I am confident that
India will achieve elimination by the end of 2005. Following
India's example, I believe that it is important to set specific
goals. To set them high. To give ourselves a goal to work towards.
Fortunately, thanks to the concerted efforts of individuals and
organizations around the world, we have come a long way in the
medical battle against leprosy. Since the 1980s, 14 million people
have been liberated from this disease. I myself have been
traveling the world to spread correct knowledge about leprosy. I
have repeated our three simple but important messages tens of
thousands of times. Time and time again I have said:

Leprosy is curable.

Drugs are available free of charge.

Discrimination has no place.