Global Appeal 2022～To End Stigma and Discrimination Against Persons Affected by Leprosy～

Your Excellencies, Ms. Damares Alves, Minister of Women, Family and Human Rights of the Federal Republic of Brazil and Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, India, I thank you all for your messages. I would also like to express my gratitude to the philanthropic foundations around the world that have supported this year’s Global Appeal and to everyone participating in the 17th Global Appeal Launch Ceremony.

“I shall make the world free of leprosy and its related discrimination.” This is the vow I made on that day 40 years ago when I saw my late father Ryoichi Sasakawa shedding tears and hugging leprosy patients who had been abandoned by their families and society. Since then, based on my philosophy that “problems and their solutions are found in the field” I have traveled to more than 120 countries to see the situation for myself.

Discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their families is nothing but a violation of human rights. Despite the fact that the disease is now completely curable and the medicine is distributed free of charge throughout the world, this discrimination unfortunately continues. I launched the first Global Appeal in 2006 in order to point out and raise awareness that leprosy is a serious human rights matter that must be dealt globally. It has to date received endorsements by the leaders from major sectors of society such as politics, business, religion and many other fields. This year, I am grateful for the endorsement of philanthropic foundations that are engaged in noble work addressing a wide range of social issues.

Many issues have been sidelined because of the Covid-19 pandemic, among them the challenges posed by leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease. Despite the current difficulties, we must not allow any facet of this disease to be neglected. This includes its human rights dimension: the stigma and discrimination that continue even after complete cure. In order not to interrupt our ongoing activities, we started a campaign last year, working mainly online and via social media, under the slogan “Don’t forget leprosy.” Now I look forward to working together with you all in a spirit of philanthropy for a world free of leprosy and associated discrimination. Together, let us bring to an end the fight against this common enemy that has burdened humanity for more than 1,000 years. Thank you.

＊This video message is available on YouTube.