Summary

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease with a long incubation period. Leprosy is not highly infectious and is curable with a combination of drugs known as multidrug therapy. However, stigmatization and discrimination remain major obstacles to the elimination of leprosy.

In the report outlining her vision, priorities and working methods for the first three years of the mandate, the Special Rapporteur sees consultation and dialogue as a crucial part of her mandate and offers technical advice, especially in the area of capacity-building, to eliminate leprosy-related discrimination. She pays particular attention to the groups that live in more vulnerable conditions to leprosy-related discrimination, giving due consideration to the diversified national and local realities. She emphasizes the needed change to the lives of persons affected by leprosy and their family members, and ensure that leprosy becomes a positive symbol of inclusiveness in the 2030 Agenda.