Eliminating leprosy and the stigma associated with the disease has been the mission of a Japanese philanthropist for many decades.

In 2001, Yôhei Sasakawa became the World Health Organization (WHO) Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination.

In this capacity, he has travelled to many countries, including recent visits to India and Indonesia to raise awareness about treatment options and fight myths that persist about people who’ve contracted the disease.

Leprosy is a curable infectious disease which affects the skin and nerves.

Stephanie Coutrix met with Mr Sasakawa who, speaking through an interpreter, began by explaining where leprosy is still affecting people today although it is considered an eradicated disease at the global level.

Duration: 3’44”