Saima Wazed, Regional Director of WHO SEARO and head of WHO’s Global Leprosy Programme, met with Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, to discuss ongoing challenges and strategies required to accelerate efforts toward the eradication of leprosy.
During their meeting, Wazed and Sasakawa addressed current obstacles hampering progress, emphasizing the need for renewed commitment and effective strategies to eliminate the disease as soon as possible. They highlighted the importance of coordinated international cooperation and sustained awareness campaigns to support patients and communities affected by leprosy.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to joint efforts aimed at enhancing public health initiatives and strengthening health systems in regions still struggling with the disease. Through collaboration between WHO’s Global Leprosy Programme and goodwill ambassadors like Sasakawa, the organization intends to boost visibility, funding, and support for global leprosy elimination objectives.
Yohei Sasakawa, known internationally for his decades-long advocacy against leprosy, expressed optimism that significant progress could be achieved through continued partnerships, dedicated advocacy, and targeted interventions. Meanwhile, Saima Wazed stressed that proactive leadership and dedication across all levels of healthcare provision remain crucial for addressing remaining challenges in combatting leprosy worldwide.
