International Symposium at the Vatican on Hansen’s Disease: Leave No One Behind

Vatican

Dignitaries on the dais, and distinguished guests.

I should like to begin my gratitude to His Holiness Pope Francis for the statements he issues on each World Leprosy Day. Also, to express my gratitude to His Holiness and the Holy See for the exceptional cooperation in enabling us to hold the second international leprosy symposium following 2016, at the Vatican. I should also like to acknowledge and thank our co-hosts for their participation and wonderful support. I look forward to the discussions we shall be having on the current situation and challenges to realizing a world without leprosy and the discrimination it causes.

Allow me to express my heartfelt condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Pope Emeritus showed a deep understanding of leprosy and compassion for those affected by the disease, as seen through his decision to canonize Father Damien, who devoted his life to the care of leprosy patients. I express my deepest respect to the late Pope Emeritus for his spiritual and intellectual legacy and tireless efforts promoting peace and goodwill to all people.

As you know, leprosy is one of the oldest infectious diseases in the world. Nowadays, it is treatable and curable. But, throughout the world, I have met many people who developed disabilities because they were reluctant to go to hospitals due to no initial symptoms such as pain or fever. Early detection and treatment of leprosy is of the utmost importance. I would like to ask the WHO and other medical professionals present here to continue your efforts to actively find new cases and to see that they are treated. I will continue to work with you, visiting the frontlines in support of activities to promote early detection and treatment.

But it is unfortunate that, even after a person has been cured of leprosy medically, the disease still afflicts them, and their families. I am talking here about discrimination. The history of discrimination toward people affected by leprosy is age-old, deep-rooted, and ongoing. In times past, leprosy was thought to be a divine punishment or karma. If someone became infected, they were isolated from society, family and friends. In some countries, discriminatory laws still exist against persons affected by leprosy. There are people who lead difficult lives, burdened by stigma and discrimination. Some even wonder if they have human rights, and are weighed down by self-stigma. I believe this kind of discrimination is a human rights issue, caused by society’s ignorance and misunderstanding.

For seven years, I engaged with experts at the UN Human Rights Council and its preceding committee to persuade them to see leprosy as a human rights issue. This led to an unanimous UN General Assembly Resolution in 2010, accompanied by Principles and Guidelines, on ending stigma and discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members. The resolution has allowed persons affected by leprosy to engage in their activities with confidence and pride that they have legitimate rights. However, among the various human rights issues that still exist in the world, very few know that there are still tens of millions of persons affected by leprosy and their family members who face severe discrimination. 

Furthermore, when the COVID pandemic emerged 3 years ago many of the persons affected lost their livelihoods and faced great difficulties. Recent data gives the impression that the number of new cases of leprosy is declining. Yet, the fact is that the pandemic disrupted leprosy services, and many people have not been diagnosed nor treated. In light of this situation, I launched the “Don’t Forget Leprosy” campaign two years ago. This is to send a message that leprosy must not be overlooked, even amid the COVID pandemic. The same year, the WHO released its Global Leprosy Strategy called “Towards zero leprosy”. Coincidentally, this year marks the 150th anniversary of Dr. Hansen’s discovery of Mycobacterium leprae. And this Sunday, we mark the 70th World Leprosy Day, the day initiated by Raoul Follereau.

Now the pandemic should not be an excuse of the disruption to our efforts. Rather, it’s time for cooperation to realize a world free of leprosy without discrimination. Through this symposium, let us firmly cement our belief that this can be done. Together, let us work for a society in which no one is left behind. Thank you very much.