17 February 2022 · Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy

World Leprosy Day 2022: Events Around the World

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 events to commemorate the day. Due to COVID-19, many events were organized virtually this year. We compiled a slideshow showcasing how the leprosy community celebrated World Leprosy Day in 2022.

NLR India Foundation hosts Facebook Live event

The NLR India Foundation ran a five-day United for Dignity campaign on their Facebook page in the run-up to World Leprosy Day. Dr. Ashok Agarwal, Country Director, and Chairperson, Ms. Nirmala Gupta, along with their team members, spoke on Facebook live about the importance of leprosy control on 27 and 28 January 2022.

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Panel: COVI-19 Lessons for Leprosy and other NTDs

The Leprosy Mission Trust India co-hosted a panel discussion with the Sasakawa Health Foundation, Disabled Peoples’ International, and NCPEDP. Experts gathered to discuss a wide range of issues pertaining to COVID-19 and NTDs. The discussion was followed by a short film festival.

Sasakawa Health Foundation launches Global Appeal

The Global Appeal is an annual campaign that raises awareness of leprosy and calls for an end to the discrimination against persons affected. This year, the Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative invited the world’s philanthropic organizations to join in promoting the Appeal’s call for social inclusion. In addition to a recording of the ceremony and video messages from speakers, the website includes photo exhibition on the theme, “Don’t forget leprosy,” a dialogue between WHO Goodwill Ambassador to Elimination of Leprosy and the chairman of CII Foundation, and recordings of webinars hosted by Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative.

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Cardinal expresses solidarity with persons affected

On World Leprosy Day, Cardinal Michael Czerny expressed the Church’s solidarity with people affected by leprosy. The Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development reflected on this year’s theme, “United in Dignity.” Cardinal Czerny affirmed that people with leprosy have the right to live in dignity and without discrimination. He said stigma negatively affects the whole person, demeaning their spiritual and physical aspects.

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Government partners in Nigeria take a stand against stigmatization

On World Leprosy Day, the Government of Nigeria and partners condemned the stigmatization of people living with Hansen’s disease. The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, stated that stigmatization continues negatively impact the successful elimination of the disease and re-integration of people affected back into their communities. Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative (WR), praised Nigeria’s leprosy programming efforts.

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Pope calls for end to discrimination

Pope Francis called for an end to discrimination against people who have experienced Hansen’s disease. “It is necessary to work together toward the full integration of these people, overcoming every form of discrimination associated with a sickness that unfortunately still afflicts many people, especially in the most disadvantaged social contexts,” he said.

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Fontilles organizes petition

Fontilles, one of our partner organizations, started a petition to end laws that discriminate against people affected by Leprosy. The petition urges the United Nations Human Rights Council to request the abolition of the 130 discriminatory laws of the countries that maintain them, as well as to put an end to the practices and customs that prevent affected people and their families from enjoying equal rights and opportunities.

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APAL India hosts workshop to raise awareness of leprosy

The Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) National Forum India conducted stakeholders meeting and workshops in Borli Village, Madhya Pradesh, to raise public awareness of leprosy.

Valencia’s City Hall is illuminated

In Valencia, Spain, the city hall and other monuments were illuminated in blue, the color of Fontilles, on the night of World Leprosy Day. Representatives from Fontilles hosted an informative table at the door of the city hall. The mayor and other politicians visited the table to learn more about leprosy.