2) Social and Economic Integration
Chair： Mr. T. Frist
The social and economic integration of persons affected by leprosy is an important means for promoting human dignity, reducing stigma, increasing economic independence and efficiently using limited community resources.
The level of integration achieved by people affected by leprosy differs widely around the world. While much progress has been made in integrating the medical care of people affected by Hansen's disease into the general health care systems of their countries, less progress has been made in integrating them into established community based socio-economic support systems.
One possible reason for this is that the development of socio-economic support programs fall outside the missions of the Ministries of Health and of the WHO which coordinate the medical aspects of Hansen's disease work. In recent years, almost total concentration has been on the delivery of MDT in order to achieve public health goals.
Another reason is the complexity of the socio-economic problems that need to be addressed for true integration to occur. Thirdly, most non-governmental organisations which have a strong leprosy focus have few professionals at headquarters level or in the field with much training and experience in socio-economic integration. Fourthly, there is little contact and cooperation between Hansen's disease organisations and those international, national and local government and non-governmental organisations which do have expertise and programs. And finally, of course, there are the problems of limited resources, remaining stigma and satisfaction with the status quo.
Considering the above situation, the Workshop on Social Integration recommends：
1. That the social and economic integration and empowerment of persons affected by leprosy become a priority for leprosy program planners along with cure and prevention of disabilities.
2. That attempts be made by leprosy focused organisations and divisions to actively involve other appropriate UN agencies, government ministries, international, national and local NGOs with expertise and programs in social and economic matters in the search for integrated, effective and efficient solutions to the medical and non-medical problems of persons affected by leprosy.
3. That persons with practical experience and training in socio-economic issues be designated within NGOs with a focus on Hansen's disease to promote access to and creation of integrated, efficient and effective programs at the national and local levels for education, vocational training and placement, small business development, care for the severely disabled and destitute, housing, transportation and other important socio-economic needs.
4. That these socio-economic "experts" have regular meetings under the auspices of ILEP at the international and national levels to share information about successful programs and to interact with "experts" in organizations from inside and outside the leprosy world on subjects of mutual interest.
