World Leprosy Day 2009

Breaking Down Age-old Barriers of Stigma and Discrimination

For centuries the word “leprosy” has generated fear and horror. Far from being a disease of the past, leprosy still affects the lives of millions of men, women and children worldwide – still bringing disability, rejection and social discrimination.

On 25 January 2009, more than 100 countries will mark World Leprosy Day, calling for an end to the discrimination and stigma that blight the lives of people affected by leprosy and their families

Leprosy still affects millions of people today, typically in some of the world’s poorest communities. Every two minutes someone in the world is told they have leprosy! Yet most people in developed countries don’t know that leprosy still exists. World Leprosy Day, now in its 55th year, is an opportunity to raise awareness, and advocate for the rights of people affected by the disease.

In places where there is leprosy, The Leprosy Mission together with other similar organisations and ex-leprosy patient groups, use the day to petition governments for improved services, and advocate for changed community attitudes towards people who have had leprosy. Street campaigns and public promotions are held, to spread the word that leprosy is curable – that it is not a curse and it is not caught by touch.

Leprosy is much more than a physical disease; it is a human rights issue leading to terrible social exclusion and injustice.

Please download the complete news release (Word document)