The 21st International Leprosy Congress
Dr. Narasimha Rao, President, Organizing Secretary of the 21st International Leprosy Congress, Dr. Roch Christian Johnson, President, International Leprosy Association, Dr. Rao, Acting Team Leader, Global Leprosy Program, WHO, South East Asia Region, Honorable Shri Harish Rao Garu, Finance and Health Minister, Government of Telangana, and distinguished participant. Good morning. I am delighted that this Congress is taking place in India, a country that is actively pursuing the ambitious goal of achieving interruption of transmission of leprosy by 2030 under the distinguished leadership of Prime Minister Modi. I would also like to pay my respects to the International Leprosy Association, which as you all know, has a history of more than 90 years, and has played an important role for many years in the fight against leprosy.
For those of us involved in the fight against leprosy, the past 3 years have been difficult. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact also on our activities. Of course, we have been able to hold online meetings and exchange views with people anywhere in the world. And campaigns such as “Don’t Forget Leprosy” have amplified the voices of persons affected by leprosy and of health professionals. But it has been challenging. Let me express my respects for your tireless efforts during this difficult time.
Over this period, it is true that case detection activities had stagnated. In many countries, leprosy programs have faced either interruption or postponement. I understand that there has been a 30 to 40 percent drop in detection of new cases during these three trying years compared to other times. This may lead to an increase in the number of patients who develop visible disabilities because they go undetected and untreated. For more than 40 years, I have gone into the field in over 120 countries, convinced that problems and solutions are always found in the field. So, I feel frustrated that I have not been able to visit the field actively these past 3 years.
But normal routines are resuming. Once again, we are able to meet face to face, as we are today. Now is the time to draw on the difficult experience of the last three years, and intensify our efforts toward zero leprosy, based on the WHO’s Global Leprosy Strategy.
As many of you know, I talk about leprosy in terms of a motorcycle. The front wheel symbolizes curing the disease, the rear wheel symbolizes ending discrimination. Unless both wheels turn together, we will not be able to reach the end of our journey. I believe that without the contribution of International Leprosy Association, the decline of the number of leprosy patients worldwide would not have been possible. The theme of this year’s ILC: “Better Knowledge. Early Diagnosis. Improved Care,” is truly timely to further strengthen our activities, as advancement of early discovery and treatment are indispensable. It is my hope that this congress will produce further significant results, vis-à-vis in its medical initiatives. At the same time, there must be a solid system in place to strengthen activities for early detection and treatment. For example, here in India, the community health workers called ASHAs go from home to home, identifying new cases. The government and organizations of persons affected by leprosy collaborate with them. I hope that other countries take note of this wonderful example and build systems in which governments, persons affected, WHO, NGOs and research institutes work in partnership to strengthen activities for early detection and treatment.
Back wheel of the motorcycle, symbolizing the fight against discrimination, it cannot turn without the participation of persons affected by leprosy. I hope that all those with personal experience of the disease will be the main actors in eliminating stigma and discrimination and that they will be leaders in changing society. Over the years I have met many persons affected by leprosy who, burdened by self-discrimination, have asked if they have any human rights. UN General Assembly gave a clear answer in 2010, when all 192 member countries unanimously adopted a resolution, together with principles and guidelines for the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members. Yes, they have legitimate rights. I say to persons affected by leprosy: Please have pride and confidence in what you do. I know it can be hard on your own. But you are not alone. Around the world, organizations such as APAL in India, ENAPAL in Ethiopia, and MORHAN in Brazil are very active. An epoch -making pre-event to this Congress, the Second Forum of People’s Organizations on Hansen’s Disease, was held on November six to eight. I hope it will further strengthen our efforts to promote a correct understanding of leprosy in society. The results of this meeting were be presented later by Ms. Maya Ranaware, the president of APAL. I hope you would listen to the collective voice of these organizations.
The battle against leprosy has reached the last mile, thanks to the tireless efforts of all of you here. But as the saying goes, “On a journey of 100 miles, the 99 mile is only halfway.” The last mile is the hardest part of the journey and requires more effort than ever before. As part of the activities of this final push, the International Conference on Hansen’s Disease together with the City of Bergen and the University of Bergen in Norway will be held next year, 150th anniversary of the discovery of Mycobacterium Lepra by a Norwegian physician Dr. Hansen. I am looking forward to your active participation. Before I close, I would like to express my profound admiration for your participation in this historic mission to achieve a world without leprosy. I am proud to work with you on the goal of zero leprosy, for which I also feel a personal responsibility to achieve results. So, my fellow participants, let us travel that last mile together, in the unshakeable belief that leprosy-free world will surely be realized. Thank you.
