Leprosy Mailing List – February 28, 2019
Ref.: (LML) Honour for philanthropist
From: Joel Almeida, London and Mumbai
Dear Pieter,
The importance of controlling Hanseniasis has been recognised by the Government of India in awarding the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2018 to Ambassador Yohei Sasakawa.
Within our Hanseniasis fraternity we frequently debate important scientific questions. That is necessary for the advancement of our common cause. We may debate vigorously, but we are united in our pursuit of what works.
To the world outside, we can present our united commitment to science, human rights and compassion. Each participant in the cause brings their best to the table. Philanthropists bring finance, public profile, compassion and even personal example in the case of the most committed. Philanthropists are not expected to be expert scientists, just as scientists are not expected to be prominent financiers. Each participant can contribute to the common cause according to their unique position.
When a philanthropist leaves the comfort of their home to spend time with some of the poorest, most neglected and most stigmatised people on earth, it is inspiring. When his voice is added to theirs, it reaches ears that might otherwise be deaf.
It is our duty as scientists to provide a high quality of scientific advice to philanthropists so that their good intentions and efforts can have many intended effects with few or no unintended adverse effects. These great individuals want to contribute their best, and scientists must keep illuminating such efforts with the light of science. Then philanthropists will walk on secure ground, as they deserve to.
The Government of India could have chosen to honour efforts in any field. Thanks to the Ambassador, it has chosen to recognise the importance of Hanseniasis. It is a good day not only for the Ambassador but also for all who are fighting the bacillus.
With appreciation,
Joel Almeida
LML - S Deepak, B Naafs, S Noto and P Schreuder
LML blog link: http://leprosymailinglist.blogspot.it/
Contact: Dr Pieter Schreuder << editorlml@gmail.com
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