Marking 25 Years, “The Last Mile Starts Now” — Accelerating International Cooperation for a World Without Leprosy

The Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative (a partnership between the Sasakawa Health Foundation, The Nippon Foundation, and Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination) held a reception at the UN Office in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 18, 2026, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Ambassador Yohei Sasakawa's tenure. The reception was attended by approximately 100 participants, including health ministers from countries heavily affected by leprosy currently attending the 79th World Health Assembly, WHO officials, and representatives of the Japanese government.

During the assembly, Ambassador Sasakawa met with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO regional directors, and health ministers from 16 key countries for leprosy control, including India, Brazil, and Indonesia, to discuss further strengthening international cooperation toward a leprosy-free world.

While leprosy control has made significant progress over the last 25 years, approximately 180,000 new cases are reported annually, and transmission challenges remain. It is also noted that while the disease is curable, many people continue to suffer from stigma and discrimination. At the reception, Sasakawa’s 25-year achievements were highlighted, and international awareness and understanding were encouraged, confirming the reinforcement of cooperation and advocacy.

Since his appointment in 2001 as the 'Special Ambassador for the Global Alliance for the Elimination of Leprosy,' Sasakawa has worked tirelessly for eradication and the removal of discrimination. He has visited 127 countries and worked in the field for over 3,700 days. In recent years, he has continued his dialogue with leaders and government officials of major affected countries, such as Brazil, India, and Indonesia, to promote concrete measures.

In his official speech at the assembly, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, 'I pay my deep respect to the outstanding leadership of Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, who has reached the milestone of 25 years as WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination. Mr. Sasakawa is the longest-serving WHO Goodwill Ambassador and continues to work energetically today. I express my sincere gratitude.'

At the start of the reception, Sasakawa expressed his gratitude to the WHO, governments, affected organizations, medical personnel, and related NGOs. He appealed, 'Despite leprosy being a curable disease, many people still suffer from stigma and discrimination. With a strong will to leave no one behind, international society must further strengthen its cooperation.' Now 87 years old, he declared, 'The field holds both the problems and the solutions,' and expressed his determination to 'devote myself wholeheartedly to these activities until the day when support reaches every person affected by leprosy.'

The 'Don’t Forget Leprosy Campaign,' launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly contributed to maintaining interest in leprosy and promoting solidarity among stakeholders, including those affected by the disease. Looking back on the progress made, there was a shared recognition that the 'last mile' is the most difficult stage of the journey. For this anniversary, the message 'The Last Mile Starts Now' was adopted as part of the 'Don’t Forget Leprosy Campaign,' calling for further cooperation and action from the international community to realize a society that leaves no one behind.