Fw: Ref.: (LML) ILEP’s Priorities World Leprosy Day 2026: Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma

 

Leprosy Mailing List –  January 31,  2026

 

Ref.:  (LML) ILEP's Priorities World Leprosy Day 2026: Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma

From: Pieter AM Schreuder, Maastricht, the Netherlands

 

Dear colleagues,

 

 

When looking for some information about World Leprosy Day 2026 I came across ILEP's website and was struck by the fact that an AI-generated overview was given of ILEP's priorities. Was this intentionally or has the ILEP website been hijacked by AI or is this the new normal? Does ILEP agree with this AI overview?

 

Ben Naafs made some comments in italics in brackets.

 

 

 

AI overview ILEP World Leprosy Day 2026

 

For World Leprosy Day 2026 (observed on January 25, 2026), international organizations, including those in the ILEP (International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations) network and the World Health Organization (WHO), are centering their messages on the theme: "Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma". 

 

Key messages for 2026 focus on combining medical treatment with the dismantling of social barriers. 

 

Core Messages and Themes for 2026

• Stigma as the Primary Barrier: While leprosy (Hansen's disease) is easily curable (Ben Naafs: "only TT and BT") with Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) and treatment is provided free of charge, the stigma associated with the disease causes social exclusion, loss of jobs, and delays in seeking treatment.
• "Real Challenge" Focus: The 2026 campaign highlights that even after a person is completely cured (Ben Naafs: "BL and LL are in remission not cured"), the social stigma can persist, necessitating a focus on human rights, dignity, and social inclusion.
• Education to End Stigma: The Global Appeal 2026, launched by the Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen's Disease) Initiative and partners, emphasizes using education to replace fear with knowledge, aiming to end the 2,000-year-old prejudices against those affected. (Ben Naafs: "In order to remain trustworthy you have to tell the truth. People will not believe you, when you tells something that does not fit with what they see with their own eyes").
• Towards Zero Leprosy: The campaigns advocate for the "Zero Leprosy" strategy—aiming for zero infection, zero disability, and zero stigma and discrimination by 2030. 

Background

Established in 1954 by Raoul Follereau, World Leprosy Day is held annually on the last Sunday of January to raise awareness, honor those affected, and demand an end to discrimination. It coincides with the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's death to recognize his work with affected individuals.

 

____________________________________________________________________________

LML - S Deepak, B Naafs, S Noto and P Schreuder

LML blog link: http://leprosymailinglist.blogspot.it/

Contact: Dr Pieter Schreuder << edit...@gmail.com

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