Let us recognize the urgent need for all of us to work together to ensure that the unfinished task is completed as soon as possible.
Leprosy is not merely a health issue - it is also a human rights issue. Leprosy-affected persons, even after they are cured, still face violations of their human rights, and they deserve a far better treatment from society than they receive at present. What they need and what they should demand are their inalienable human rights, and certainly not just charity. Generations of leprosy-affected men and women have been exposed to cruel stigma and ostracism. I sincerely hope that we shall put an end to that injustice once and for all. In this connection, I am very happy to learn that many leprosy-affected persons are participating in this Congress as equal partners to voice their concerns and hopes.
From the point of view of the World Health Organization, we want to see an end to leprosy in the world as soon as possible, both as a public health problem and as a human and social problem. Towards this end, I want to assure you that WHO will continue to give a high priority to leprosy and will provide the necessary leadership. WHO is also keen to continue and strengthen its collaboration with leprosy agencies everywhere, including NGOs, and is firmly committed to the objective that is the main theme of this Congress, namely, working toward a world without leprosy.
I wish the Congress every success."
