Lusaka, 4 July 2009 -- Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, the President of the Nippon Foundation/Sasakawa Health Memorial Foundation (NF/SHMF) and WHO Goodwill Ambassador for the Elimination of Leprosy visited Zambia from 29th June to 4th July 2009 to follow-up on the country’s Leprosy elimination achievements. He was met by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zambia Mr. Rupiah Bwezani Banda at State House on 2nd July 2009. Mr. Sasakawa’s message to the President was that of making the country free from Leprosy by ensuring that it is put high on the health agenda. He emphasized the fact that although Zambia had reached the WHO elimination target of less than one leprosy case per 10,000 population, the country should not be complacent with the achievement but continue to work towards eradication of the disease. He said he was in the country to see the Leprosy control programmes in place, to meet with the health workers and patients and to visit the people affected by the disease in the community. He bemoamed the fact that those affected by Leprosy suffer from stigma and discrimination and are not fully accepted in society. Mr Sasakawa brought to the attention of the President the resolution passed by the United Nations human Rights Council of 2008 aimed at challenging and changing discrimination and stigma against people suffering from Leprosy. He emphasized the fact that since Leprosy was curable, prevention was necessary through increased awareness by the general public. He pledged his organization’s continued support to countries including Zambia through its collaboration with the World Health Organization. 

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