United for Dignity

World Leprosy Day takes place every year on the last Sunday in January. In 2022, this day falls on World NTD Day on January 30th.

The World Health Organization (WHO) lists leprosy as one of the 20 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), all of which can lead to severe disabilities and impairments, chronic courses or even death. More than 1.7 billion people are affected or threatened by NTDs.

The theme of this year's World Day against NTDs is 100% committed. Burkard Kömm makes it clear: “With the Sustainable Development Goals, the world community has committed itself to: Health for all, defeating poverty, leaving no one behind. If we are serious about this, no one in the world should be allowed to suffer from leprosy and its consequences.”

Under the motto "United for Dignity" (United for Dignity), the ILEP International Association of Leprosy Relief Organizations calls for joint respect for the dignity of people with leprosy. The campaign recognizes the life experiences of people living with leprosy by sharing their empowering stories and advocating for mental wellbeing and the right to live a life of dignity free from the stigma associated with the disease.