Nurses call for end to leprosy discrimination
The Nippon Foundation and the International Council of Nurses jointly released Global Appeal 2015 in Tokyo on Tuesday, calling for an end to the discrimination that people affected by leprosy continue to face in many parts of the world. It is the first time that the annual Global Appeal, now in its tenth year, has been launched from Japan.
As the world’s largest group of health professionals, the statement said nurses are committed to alleviating physical and mental suffering of all people, without prejudice, and recognize the importance of educating the public about disease - especially a misunderstood disease such as leprosy.
“Our message is clear: leprosy can be cured. Drugs kill the bacteria. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent disability. There is no reason to isolate anyone with the disease,” they stated in the appeal.