This year, we celebrate World Leprosy Day on 29 January 2023. The theme of World Leprosy Day 2023 is “Act Now. End Leprosy.”
Our campaign, informed by persons affected by leprosy and developed in partnership with ILEP organizations, draws attention to the fact that we have the tools to interrupt transmission and calls for countries to prioritize leprosy elimination.
We will also share videos from many persons affected, who share the challenges they have experienced as a result of their leprosy diagnosis. Suffering from leprosy is needless, and we have much to learn from people with lived experience of this disease.
We invite you to join us in recognizing World Leprosy Day on Twitter and Facebook.
Access our social media toolkit >
On the last Sunday of January*, the international community advocates for the rights of people who have experienced Hansen’s disease and joins in the work to combat the medical and social implications of this neglected tropical disease.
World Leprosy Day was established in 1954 by French journalist and activist, Raoul Follereau. Follereau created World Leprosy Day with two goals: to advocate for the equal treatment of persons affected by leprosy and to reeducate the public about leprosy by correcting historical misconceptions surrounding the disease.
Leading up to World Leprosy Day on 29 January 2023, we asked members of the global leprosy community to share their perspectives on early diagnosis. We asked: Why is early diagnosis of leprosy so important? Watch the video:
World Leprosy Day is recognized internationally on the last Sunday of January to increase public awareness of leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease. This year it was celebrated on 30 January 2022. Organizations of persons affected by leprosy and leprosy community partners traditionally organize in-person … Read More >
World Leprosy Day is recognized internationally on the last Sunday of January to increase the public awareness of leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease. This slideshow showcases ways the leprosy community celebrated World Leprosy Day in 2021.
Communities and partners came together last month to celebrate World Leprosy Day with events and gatherings all over the world. View our interactive map to see images from some of these celebrations.