Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen's Disease) Initiative

A quarter-century into his role, the Goodwill Ambassador, who turned 87 in January, remains committed to the work of eliminating leprosy worldwide. sasakawaleprosyinitiative.org/latest-updates…

Highlights of The Global Appeal 2026 to End Stigma and Discrimination Against Persons Affected by Leprosy, held on January 29 in Brussels, Belgium, are now available. sasakawaleprosyinitiative.org/latest-updates…

TLM GB are launching a new funding call: “Powering change from lived experience” This call is open to organisations led by people affected by leprosy. Details: act.leprosymission.org.uk/funding-call-p…

The 2026 Global Appeal to End Stigma and Discrimination Against Persons Affected by Leprosy was launched in Brussels, Belgium, on January 29. This year’s appeal emphasized the transformative power of education in dispelling myths, reducing prejudice, and promoting inclusion.

The Global Appeal 2026 to End Stigma and Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy will be launched in Brussels on 29 Jan. This year’s Appeal highlights the power of education in tackling stigma and promoting inclusion. 🔗Register here for online sasakawaleprosyinitiative.org/latest-updates…

Dr. Takahiro Nanri, president of Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative, remembers the many contributions of our colleague Chiemi Sanga, “a sun-like presence for all staff,” whose death last September was met with profound shock by the global leprosy community. sasakawaleprosyinitiative.org/latest-updates…

Sasakawa Health Foundation’s Program Advisor for Medical Issues offers his take on WHO’s Global Leprosy Update 2024. Critical issues include stagnant case detection, delayed diagnosis in children, and underreporting of stigma and discrimination. sasakawaleprosyinitiative.org/latest-updates…

“Join Hands to End Leprosy” was the tag line of last November’s Sri Lanka National Leprosy Conference, where the health minister announced a systematic plan to make the country leprosy-free by 2035. Sri Lanka sees 1,500 to 2,000 new cases a year. sasakawaleprosyinitiative.org/latest-updates…

Two research projects, one in India and the other in Brazil, empower persons affected by leprosy and transform them from subjects of study into active partners in knowledge creation and social change. sasakawaleprosyinitiative.org/latest-updates…

The five members of the drafting committee that produced the collective outcome documents for the 3rd Global Forum of People’s Organizations on Hansen’s Disease share their thoughts on the forum, the documents and what they want to happen next. sasakawaleprosyinitiative.org/latest-updates…

The Goodwill Ambassador renews his old friendship with the 14th Dalai Lama in their first meeting in 11 years. To date, the scholarship program they started has helped 260 young people in leprosy colonies in India go on to higher education. sasakawaleprosyinitiative.org/latest-updates…

With sadness in our hearts we announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague Chiemi Sanga, who died in Tokyo on Sept. 20, 2025, aged 56. Chiemi was a director of the Initiative team and known to many in the Hansen’s disease community. She will be greatly missed.

The WHO Goodwill Ambassador pledges to continue in his bridging role, connecting people at all levels of society to make progress toward zero leprosy. sasakawaleprosyinitiative.org/latest-updates…

The latest issue (#128) of the Leprosy Bulletin "Cooperation opens a way forward" is now online. #DontForgetLeprosy #DontForgetHansensDisease sasakawaleprosyinitiative.org/latest-updates…

In Indonesia, young people affected by leprosy are gaining skills through the Sasakawa Young Scholar Program to help them earn a living and become even more professional activists — taking strong steps towards independence and empowerment. sasakawaleprosyinitiative.org/latest-updates…

In Colombia, young changemakers affected by #HansensDisease are turning dreams into reality through the Young Scholars Program—building skills, leading projects, and inspiring their communities with support from Felehansen mentors. sasakawaleprosyinitiative.org/latest-updates…

Voices from Nepal, Indonesia & Bangladesh took the stage at the 13th ISTR Asia-Pacific Conference, sharing how organizations of persons affected by #leprosy drive rights-based, sustainable development. sasakawaleprosyinitiative.org/latest-updates…

In this participant viewpoint from Nepal’s 2025 Leprosy Conference, a person affected by #leprosy shares how speaking at the national level helped push commitments to end discrimination. sasakawaleprosyinitiative.org/latest-updates…

WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination Yohei Sasakawa participated in the Nepal Leprosy Conference 2025 held in Nepal and met with health ministers from various countries and WHO officials during the 78th World Health Assembly in Switzerland. sasakawaleprosyinitiative.org/latest-updates…

In Nepal, laws still permit discrimination against people affected by #leprosy — even allowing divorce on that basis. Nepal Law Society & partners held a landmark conference, securing the Prime Minister’s commitment to legal reform. Change is coming. sasakawaleprosyinitiative.org/latest-updates…