Conference in Norway Marks 150 Years Since Discovery of the Leprosy Bacillus by Dr. Hansen (2)

In a video message that WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus contributed to the international conference in Bergen, Norway, on June 21-22, 2023 marking the 150th anniversary of the discovery of the causative agent of leprosy, he said that much progress has been made in the fight against leprosy since the 1873 discovery of M. leprae and the birth of the WHO 75 years later, but that “much remains to be done towards our shared goals of zero disease, zero disability and zero discrimination.” He also noted that more effort is needed to recover from health system disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Volker Türk, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that to better the lives of people affected by leprosy, “we need to address the physical symptoms, but we also need social and behavioral measures to address stigma and discrimination. We need comprehensive strategies with access to quality care, education, and social protection,” adding: “Together we can make a real difference in ending leprosy, which causes immense preventable and unjustifiable suffering for thousands of people.”

This was the third international conference that the Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative has organized since launching its "Don't Forget Leprosy" campaign in 2021 to help to ensure that the disease and those affected by it are not overlooked amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Many countries and international organizations, led by WHO, are now aiming for zero leprosy－zero disease, zero disability and zero discrimination－by 2030. To achieve this goal will require stakeholders to cooperate closely.

In front of delegates, I renewed my promise to dedicate my remaining days to eliminate discrimination and stigma against leprosy and achieve a leprosy-free world.

I sincerely hope that all stakeholders come together and further strengthen our joint efforts to realize a truly inclusive society where people affected by leprosy and their families can play an active role as full members of society.

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The texts of my two speeches at “The Bergen International Conference on Hansen’s Disease: 150 Years Since the Discovery of the Leprosy Bacillus” on June 21 and 22 can be seen here (opening / Session2)