20 October 2019 · Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy

A New Case Detection Campaign in Comoros

Takahiro Nanri, GPZL Vice Chair and Executive Director of the Sasakawa Health Foundation, was in Comoros last month for the start of a new case detection campaign. The opening ceremony took place in the presence of President Azali Assoumani, Health Minister, and the governors and district heads. Mr. Nanri delivered a speech by WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, Yohei Sasakawa.

Representatives of the WHO and partner organizations were also in attendance, as well as health workers who will be carrying out the campaign. Altogether, some 1,500 people participated. This will be the first time a new case detection campaign has been conducted on an island-wide basis on the islands of Anjouan, which is highly endemic for leprosy, and Mohelie. The campaign is set to run for the next three months with support from The Nippon Foundation through its WHO grant. To ensure that this is not a one-off initiative, the health ministry, WHO, the Damien Foundation, and the Office of Joint Programs on Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy) based in Sasakawa Health Foundation and The Nippon Foundation, have agreed to discuss what follow-up activities should take place.