Global Appeal 2017 Launched from New Delhi, India

The Nippon Foundation, together with the Inter-Parliamentary Union, has launched its Global Appeal 2017, for the elimination of social prejudice against people affected by leprosy, from New Delhi, India. The Global Appeal To End Stigma and Discrimination Against Persons Affected by Leprosy is held every year on or near World Leprosy Day (observed on the last Sunday in January), to bring to the attention of international institutions, national governments, and the general public the fact that leprosy is completely curable and that there is no basis for discrimination related to the disease. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, and Japanese Government Goodwill Ambassador for the Human Rights of Persons Affected by Leprosy, has issued a Global Appeal every year since 2006, with the endorsement of Nobel Peace Prize laureates, religious leaders, and other persons and organizations involved in health, human rights, and public policy.