I would like to share with you some of the photographs taken during my visit to Tunisia and Ethiopia between August 25 and September 4, 2022.
[September 2, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia]
The new headquarters building of the Ethiopian National Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy (ENAPAL) was completed in Addis Ababa.
Taking part in a tape-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of ENAPAL’s new building with Ethiopian Women and Social Affairs Minister Ergogie Tesfaye (center left) and Health Minister Lia Tadesse center right).
My first meeting with Ms. Birke Nigatu, former ENAPAL chair, in some years.
Addressing the completion ceremony for the new ENAPAL headquarters building as WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination. The ceremony was covered by television crews and numerous other media.
About 200 people attended the event, at which I called on Ethiopia to take the lead in the global fight against leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease.
Donning a gown and a crown presented by ENAPAL, I felt like I was attending a coronation.
A “king” stands between two members of Ethiopia’s cabinet－Women and Social Affairs Minister Ergogie Tesfaye (left) and Health Minister Lia Tadesse (right).
With members of ENAPAL.
Playing with a child of persons affected by leprosy near their home.
Appearing on a TV show recorded at EBC (Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation), the country’s public broadcaster, I underscore the importance of fighting leprosy, and stigma and discrimination associated with it.
Paying a courtesy call on Ethiopian Women and Social Affairs Minister Ergogie Tesfaye in an Ethiopian tearoom.
Next time, I will return her hospitality in a Japanese tearoom.
[September 3, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia]
Saying goodbye to Chair Ruth Oniang’o of the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) before leaving my hotel to wrap up my 11-day African trip.
