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Younger Generation Needed in Efforts to Change the Leprosy Perceptions, Says Miss World Brazil — Global Issues


Miss World Brazil Letícia Frota and Pragnya Ayyagari, Miss Supranational India agree that leprosy and campaigns to eradicate the disease because of COVID-19 should not be ignored. Credit: Joyce Chimbi / IPS
  • by Joyce Chimbi (nairobi)
  • Associated Press Service

Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, said because of discrimination and shame, “We have had a long time when all those affected by leprosy had to live in silently. Today, we have the Don’t Forget Leprosy Campaign, and we all have a role to play in this effort. “

He spoke on the third and final day of the 2nd Global Forum of People’s Organizations on Hansen’s Disease organized by Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative (Hansen’s Disease) in Hyderabad, India, from 6 to 8 November 2022, where engagement is in-person and virtual.

During the Forum, discussions focused on the challenges facing people affected by leprosy and the vision for the future they aspire to create as they move into the post-COVID era. The main objective is to strengthen and maximize the role and capacity of people’s organizations to promote the dignity of those affected by Hansen’s Disease.

Speakers and participants of the 2nd Forum highlighted how people affected by leprosy are increasingly speaking out and seeking participation in the implementation of leprosy prevention programs and the development of policies. related books. There are at least 41 People’s Organizations on Hansen’s disease in 25 countries around the globe.

Good practices on how people’s organizations are building capacity and expanding roles to enhance the dignity of people affected by the ancient disease from countries such as Ethiopia, India, Nepal and Indonesia was widely shared during days one and two of the Global Forum.

This gave way to the third and final day for speakers and attendees to organize side events on a topic of their choice that aligns with the overall goals of the Forum.

Miss World Brazil Letícia Frota and Pragnya Ayyagari, Miss Supranational India organized a special session to raise awareness of people affected by leprosy within the framework of the Don’t Forget Leprosy Campaign. They remind the world that leprosy should not be left on the sidelines amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The beauty queens raved about the need for a unified vision toward a leprosy-free future. They participated in a panel discussion that included Sasakawa and representatives of the Movement for the Reintegration of People with Hansen’s Disease (MORHAN) in Brazil and the Association of People Affected by Leprosy of India (APAL).

Discussions focused on the need to raise awareness and increase visibility around Hansen’s disease and those affected, towards their inclusion and inclusion, and especially generational outreach. young because their role is very important in leprosy.

“I sympathize with this cause, and I will use my influence to connect with young people in raising awareness about Hansen’s disease. I am very encouraged about MORHAN’s ongoing efforts to educate school-going children about Hansen’s disease,” explains Ayyagari.

Frota emphasized the need to spread awareness, especially to the younger generation, who are still in the dark about leprosy. To change the future, she said, “We need to change the landscape of this disease by actively engaging young people. I will continue to participate and raise funds towards a leprosy-free future.”

Miss World Brazil further spoke about the right of people affected by leprosy to live and enjoy opportunities without discrimination. She stressed the need for early detection and treatment of leprosy as crucial to achieving leprosy-free status.

The participants were very pleased with the participation of the beauty queens because as celebrities they were able to use their huge following to draw attention to the disease. .

Representatives of MORHAN and APAL said that it is urgent for those affected by leprosy to send the message to the world that leprosy is curable and that the community must not be forgotten even as COVID-19 continues to be the center of attention. heart.

All praised the ongoing efforts to bring the global community together to draw attention to the ancient disease and create a path towards its elimination.

Sasakawa encourages those taking the lead in fighting the stigma and discrimination against leprosy and those taking active steps to eliminate leprosy to always remember that they are not alone.

“A lot of like-minded people support you and be your comrades in this fight. You may face certain challenges in the future but remember that there are a lot of people who are supporting you,” he said.

During the panel discussion, people affected by leprosy from different countries had the opportunity to talk about how they are still grappling with the pain of stigma and discrimination even after when he was cured of leprosy.

They emphasized that although they could not transmit leprosy to others, they were still treated with fear, and many were silent in the face of the stigma, unable to live their lives to the fullest. They vowed to use this pain to energize and push the Don’t Forget Leprosy campaign towards a future free of all forms of discrimination against those affected by the ancient disease.

In general, representatives of those affected by leprosy urge users to do as little as they can. They believe that the global campaign to eradicate leprosy will fly to every corner of the world, reaching people with the message that leprosy is curable and bringing hope to everyone affected by the disease. wind.

Report of the United Nations Office IPS


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© Inter Press Service (2022) – All rights reservedOrigin: Inter Press Service

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