SILF Aware Youth About Leprosy, Aims To Eradicate The Stigma

Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation (S-ILF) on Tuesday organised ‘Youth Against Leprosy’, a National Youth Festival to raise awareness about leprosy amongst the younger generation.

The 9th Youth against Leprosy (YAL) Event function was a finale of National Youth Festival, 2023 which saw the participation of colleges from all over the India that undertook the program and training. The festival witnessed widespread participation of youth that engaged in creative activities to make the event a success. It helps to bridge the “us versus them” divide. It engages the college youth that have been involved through its various programs, through an event focused on mobilising and driving awareness amongst the young citizens. It is aimed at eradicating the stigma against leprosy through collaborating with different colleges/ educational organisations.

CII aims to see persons from Leprosy colonies to take up startups with support from CII. S-ILF has had a strong connection with CII which has been made stronger with the MoU. The participating youth have been enrolled and trained by S-ILF under its Education, Advocacy and Awareness programs.

Sayed Imam, Member, Board of Trustee , Sasakawa- India leprosy Foundation said, “It is very unfortunate that the youth of India have little or no knowledge around the myths associated with leprosy which results in stigma and discrimination against those affected by leprosy and their families. The very little knowledge that they gain is often vague and endorses the stigma against the disease. We hope to reach out maximum number of Youth every year through Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation’s new initiative The Youth Festival at both regional and national level. As of now we at S-ILF have sensitised 12000 plus students from colleges and schools and reached out to more than 17 lakh youth through our Awareness Sessions and Youth Festivals.”   

Gaurab Sen, Chief Executive Officer Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation said, “Usually the younger generation has very little or no understanding of leprosy as a disease. Whatever little they may know comes from family and friends and is often vague and reaffirms the stigma against the disease. If the youth get sensitised at a young age, they can significantly contribute towards elimination which is the final goal. With this thought and vision, S-ILF engages youth through its various programs, and mobilises them to join the fight against leprosy. Also, to motivate the younger generation with Leprosy background, we give them training under our education programme and I am delighted to share with you that the youth is doing very well for themselves.”