#Brussels #Belgium #Leprosy Stigma #Global Appeal #Education International

Global Appeal 2026: Combating Leprosy Stigma through Education

The Global Appeal 2026 is set to launch in Brussels on January 29, 2026, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against stigma and discrimination faced by individuals affected by leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease. This initiative emphasizes the power of education to replace fear with understanding and prejudice with empathy.

Co-hosted by Education International and the Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen's Disease) Initiative, alongside the Damien Foundation, the event aims to engage a broad audience that includes educators, healthcare professionals, policy makers, and individuals directly affected by leprosy. With over 172,000 new cases reported in 2024 alone across 133 countries, the call for action is critical as leprosy remains a pressing health and human rights issue.

The Global Appeal, established in 2006, seeks to mobilize various sectors of society, from religious leaders and Nobel laureates to nurses and advocates. It serves as an annual reminder of the collective responsibility to dismantle the social barriers surrounding leprosy. Education International, representing over 33 million teachers and education support personnel worldwide, plays a crucial role in influencing this movement. The organization aims to foster awareness, understanding, and empathy regarding the realities individuals with leprosy face, promoting a society where dignity for all is prioritized.

Education is the cornerstone of this initiative, offering a transformative approach to address the misconceptions and stigma associated with leprosy. During the launch event, participants will hear impactful testimonials from those affected by leprosy in regions like Brazil, India, Indonesia, and Senegal. These narratives will illustrate the enduring stigma that persists despite medical advances and successful treatment protocols. Through a panel discussion and stakeholder dialogues, voices from many perspectives will converge to reinforce the commitment towards dignity, inclusion, and the principle of 'leaving no one behind'.

The opportunity to interact with Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of Belgium is a highlight of the event, further emphasizing the importance of this cause. Her engagement symbolizes royal support and societal recognition of the challenges faced by individuals with leprosy.

The Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen's Disease) Initiative has played a key role in this fight, contributing over $200 million to support national leprosy programs since its inception. They have notably raised awareness of leprosy as a human rights issue at the UN, resulting in resolutions aimed at eliminating discrimination against affected individuals and their families.

In conjunction with the remarkable partnership established with the Damien Foundation, a Belgian medical non-profit supporting neglected tropical diseases, the Global Appeal 2026 seeks to strengthen healthcare systems globally. By advocating for access to medical services, these organizations aim to ensure that nobody suffers or dies from a preventable disease like leprosy.

In summary, the Global Appeal 2026 represents a vital step towards combating the stigma surrounding leprosy through education and advocacy. The event on January 29 will be live-streamed, inviting a global audience to join this essential conversation about dignity and inclusion for all individuals affected by leprosy. By sharing knowledge and experiences, the initiative seeks to create a more understanding and empathetic society, ultimately working to eradicate the stigma surrounding this condition once and for all.