Global Appeal 2025 to End Stigma and Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy was officially launched in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, with endorsements from the health ministries of 55 countries. Co-hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative, the event brought together individuals affected by leprosy from across India, alongside key stakeholders, including Odisha’s Ministry of Health, global health experts, and advocates committed to leprosy elimination.

India has the highest number of leprosy cases in the world, with Odisha at the forefront of efforts to fight against the disease. Global Appeal 2025 was launched together with persons affected by leprosy and those working against the disease, and calls for a society where everyone has access to health care and medical services without fear of discrimination, and where no one is left behind.

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  • Welcome Address by Ms. Jayanti Pradhan, a person affected by leprosy from Odisha

  • 20 Years of the Global Appeal: Commemorative Video featuring Messages from Past Endorsers

  • Video Message from Ms. Saima Wazed, World Health Organization Regional Director for South-East Asia

  • Video Message from Dr. Beatriz Miranda-Galarza, UN Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members

  • Message from Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare

  • Video Messages from the Health Ministers of Indonesia and Nepal

  • Message from Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, Director of Public Health of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Odisha

  • Presentation on the Leprosy Situation in Odisha by Dr. Kshetra Mohan Kand, Additional Director Health (Leprosy)

  • Remarks by Ms. Maya Ranavare, a person affected by leprosy from Maharashtra

    English Speech Script

  • Felicitation of Champions of Leprosy in Odisha (Persons Affected by Leprosy)

  • Remarks by Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for　Leprosy Elimination and Chairman of The Nippon Foundation

  • Remarks by Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, Minister of Health & Family Welfare of Odisha

Launch of Global Appeal 2025 with “Sapna,”
Mascot for National Leprosy Eradication Programme

  • Closing Remarks by Dr. Takahiro Nanri, President of Sasakawa Health Foundation and Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative

Global Appeal 2025 to End Stigma and Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy

January 30, 2025

Leprosy, once feared as an incurable disease, is now treatable with modern medicine.
When diagnosed and treated early, it is not disabling.

Also known as Hansen’s disease, leprosy is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae and mainly affects the skin and peripheral nerves.

Despite advances in treatment, many people with leprosy still face stigma and discrimination due to outdated stereotypes and myths. This fear of rejection often prevents people from seeking diagnosis and treatment, leaving many cases undetected.

As Ministries of Health in leprosy priority countries, we recognize that leprosy is not just a health issue—it is also a social issue. Stigma and discrimination hinder progress toward eliminating the disease and violate the rights of those affected.

We are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to healthcare services without fear of discrimination and are working toward the global goal of zero leprosy by 2030.

Together, let us raise awareness, dispel misconceptions and ensure that no one affected by leprosy is left behind.

Declaration and Signature (PDF)　>