Japanese man wants to eradicate leprosy from Nepal

By Rabindra Upreti,Bardibas, Sept. 23: Yohei Sasakawa, a Japanese humanitarian and a global advocate for leprosy eradication, has reiterated his commitment to reducing leprosy cases to zero in Nepal by 2030. 

During a visit to Lalgadh Leprosy Hospital in Bardibas recently, Sasakawa announced the establishment of an endowment fund worth Rs 17.7 million to support rehabilitation, livelihood and employment opportunities for leprosy patients and their families. 

Sasakawa, accompanied by his colleagues, visited the hospital to assess the conditions of leprosy patients and formalised the endowment with Kamal Narayan Shrestha, head of the Nepal Leprosy Trust, during a special programme held on the hospital premises. In his address, Sasakawa expressed optimism about the impact of the fund and pledged to increase financial support in the future based on its successful implementation.

Recalling his visit to Lalgadh Leprosy Hospital 15 years ago, Sasakawa hailed the hospital’s progress, highlighting its effective management, quality care and compassionate service towards patients. “We must work together to reduce leprosy to zero by turning this hospital into a model for leprosy services and programmes,” he said. He further emphasised that the fund, if managed well, could be increased to expand its reach.

Sasakawa and his team also inspected various wards of the hospital, personally interacting with leprosy patients and inquiring about their health. The emotional atmosphere was palpable as Sasakawa, now 85, tenderly comforted patients, including 15-year-old Pinki Paswan from  Madhuwani, India, and Rinku Sah from Katarwanna, Saptari,  both of whom have been receiving long-term care. The elderly philanthropist’s heartfelt interactions brought tears to many eyes.

According to Durga Tamang, a staff nurse who has been with the hospital for 26 years, the hospital is currently treating 98 leprosy patients, including 36 women, nine children and 53 men. 

Dr. Krishna Bahadur Lama, the hospital’s medical director, praised Sasakawa’s tireless efforts, acknowledging the ambitious goal of a leprosy-free society by 2030 in Madhes Province, where 37 per cent of Nepal’s leprosy cases are concentrated. While noting the challenges, Dr. Lama expressed optimism that Sasakawa’s ‘Zero Leprosy’ campaign, backed by his role as the World Health Organisation’s Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Prevention, would see success in Nepal.

Sasakawa, who has been a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Eradication since 2001, also chairs the Sasakawa Health Foundation and The Nippon Foundation, both of which have been instrumental in global leprosy prevention efforts. 

Ramesh Chaudhary, head of community health and development at the hospital, noted that Sasakawa’s global initiative, the ‘Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative,’ launched in 2020, is aimed at eradicating leprosy and alleviating the suffering of those affected.

Sasakawa’s contributions extend beyond funding, he has also been responsible for providing free supplies of MDT-Komvi, the primary drug used to treat leprosy, to patients worldwide. Since its establishment in 1991 by the Nepal Leprosy Trust, Lalgarh Leprosy Hospital has treated and rehabilitated over 50,000 leprosy patients. Suman Tamang, the hospital’s support service manager, added that the facility now serves over 400 patients daily from both Nepal and India, underscoring its critical role in regional leprosy care.

With the backing of Sasakawa and his endowment, Lalgarh Leprosy Hospital is poised to continue its mission of providing hope and healing thousands of leprosy patients in the years to come.