Global Appeal 2016Junior Chamber International Call for End to Leprosy Discrimination

The Nippon Foundation and Junior Chamber International jointly released Global Appeal 2016 in Tokyo on Jan. 26, calling for an end to the discrimination that people affected by leprosy continue to face in many parts of the world.

From ancient times, leprosy has been feared around the world as a disfiguring disease without a cure—a divine punishment, even. Through the ages, individuals with leprosy have suffered harsh discrimination and inequalities.

Thanks to the development of effective drug therapy, leprosy is now completely curable—and the cure is free. With early diagnosis and treatment, the disabling effects of the disease can be prevented.

However, the stigma and discrimination associated with leprosy remain deeply rooted. Individuals with the disease, those who have been cured and even their families find themselves treated unjustly, with their opportunities for education, employment, marriage and other forms of participation in society restricted.

Myths and misconceptions are what prompt this stigma. In order to remove these misperceptions about leprosy, and eliminate the stigma and discrimination, people need to be properly informed about the disease.

JCI (Junior Chamber International) is the leading global network of active young citizens, dedicated to creating sustainable impact in their communities by seeking targeted solutions to local challenges.

We will use our international reach to condemn and fight against the discrimination that individuals affected by leprosy experience.

We will support activities to ensure that the next generation is properly educated and informed to eliminate the discrimination.

We will aspire for a world in which individuals affected by leprosy and their families can live free from discrimination and enjoy the same rights and opportunities as everybody else in order to reach their greatest potential.