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Sasakawa Health Foundation with support from The Nippon Foundation is implementing a grant program for organizations of persons affected by leprosy/Hansen’s disease to support people who have been severely impacted by the unprecedented crisis caused by the spread of the … More Grant Program for Organizations of Persons Affected by Leprosy/Hansen’s Disease During the COVID-19 Pandemic →

The economic, social, and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a significant increase in the need for humanitarian aid and social protection measures. Persons affected by leprosy have been especially impacted by the worst consequences of the pandemic, due to preexisting vulnerabilities and economic precarity.

Governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and organizations of persons affected by leprosy have enacted policies and programmes intended to support persons affected during this crisis, although there are still gaps. To support the effectiveness of these interventions, and to help raise awareness of resources available to persons affected, the Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy’s COVID-19 Emergency Advocacy Working Group and UN Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members Alice Cruz, gathered data on available programmes and resources. The following information was gathered through an online questionnaire from 100+ persons affected and partners, representing 24 countries.

The COVID-19 pandemic has strongly impacted leprosy control and prevention, and in response, GPZL has established three working groups to address the leprosy community’s key challenges during the global health crisis, and spearhead emergency response. This article is an update on their progress.