WHO Press Conference (Toward Zero Leprosy)
Dr. Tedros, thank you for your kind introduction.
As you know, leprosy is not a curse nor punishment from God; it is a weak infectious disease caused by leprosy bacillus that can now be cured with drugs. In many countries, leprosy tends to be considered a disease of the past. In fact, it still exists. There are large pockets of cases, both registered and hidden in more than one hundred countries around the world today. Another aspect that we cannot ignore is discrimination. Since Old Testament times, persons affected by leprosy and their family members have faced extremely harsh discrimination. It is a very serious human rights issue. Over the past fifty years, I have visited leprosy endemic areas in over one hundred and twenty countries. Everywhere I met with countless number of people who have been abandoned not only by society but even by their own families, living in despair and in solitude. While I have dedicated my life to achieving zero leprosy to free persons affected by leprosy from such pain and suffering, unfortunately, I am only halfway there.
So, what can we do to help achieve zero leprosy? The answer lies in active early detection and prompt treatment. However, persons affected by leprosy are hesitant to visit medical facilities because of painless early symptoms and the fear of discrimination. As a result, the disease progresses, leading to serious physical disabilities. We must, therefore, not wait for patients to self-present themselves. We need to carry out extensive door-to-door campaign to find the “hidden cases”. Now that drugs are available free of charge worldwide and the coronavirus is no longer a global health emergency, I believe it is an opportune time to give another strong push towards zero leprosy by strengthening active case detection and prompt treatment. Dear friends and colleagues, “zero leprosy” is not an impossible dream. I ask for your further cooperation so that together we can make the impossible possible. Thank you.