The Vatican is urging the international community not only to help eliminate Hansen’s disease but also to end the stigma, discrimination and prejudice attached to it by treating those hit by it with love, compassion and solidarity. His Eminence Cardinal Peter Turkson, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, made the call in a message on the occasion of 66th World Leprosy Day, marked on Sunday, January 27.
As reported by Vatican news, “The theme for this year’s World Leprosy Day, “Ending discrimination, stigma, and prejudice,” teaches us clearly that one of the most critical needs in the lives of those experiencing this devastating disease is love,” the cardinal wrote. His Eminence Cardinal noted that over 200,000 new cases of Hansen’s disease or leprosy are reported annually, with 94% of them in 13 countries, striking especially the neediest and poorest people. Hence, as His Holiness Pope Francis said, it is important to keep solidarity alive with these brothers and sisters who are disabled as a result of this disease.
Even though the multidrug therapy (MDT) and skilled clinical service have proven effective in addressing this illness, His Eminence Cardinal Turkson noted, “no institution can by itself replace the human heart or human compassion when it is a matter of encountering the suffering of another.” The Ghanaian cardinal the cited the approach of Jesus, the Divine Physician, who heals not from a distance but by drawing near, coming in direct contact with and touching the person with leprosy.
His Eminence Cardinal Turkson urged the fight against Hansen’s disease and the stigma, discrimination and prejudice attached to it, by cooperating and collaborating with government agencies and NGOs in helping the complete integration of the person in all of his or her bodily and spiritual dimensions.
