Global Appeal 2024 to End Stigma and Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy, which was launched at a ceremony at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on January 31, 2024, was signed by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination Yohei Sasakawa.

The event was co-organized by the World Health Organization and Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative as part of the Initiative’s “Don’t Forget Leprosy” campaign. Since 1975, the Initiative has worked closely with the WHO toward the common goal of eliminating leprosy.

In 2021, the WHO unveiled Towards zero leprosy. Global leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) strategy 2021–2030. This comprehensive strategy takes a holistic approach, recognizing the need to address not only the medical but also the social dimensions of the disease. Among its four main pillars, the strategy places a strong emphasis on combating stigma and ensuring full respect for human rights.

Global Appeal 2024 called for a world where no one is left behind because of a treatable disease, aiming to break the chains of discrimination and ensuring dignity for all.