This year's event was held from 4-6 July in Bali, Indonesia and hosted by the Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative, with around 110 representatives from organisations of persons affected by leprosy based in 21 countries. Read Taslima's reflections of the event in her own words:
"I was pleased to attend the 3rd Global Forum as a representative of the Bogura Federation, it was my first experience attending an international event.
I was able to meet people from many different countries and learnt about the leprosy situation in their country. Despite significant advancements in medical science, leprosy continues to impact many communities worldwide.
This programme provided a valuable opportunity to deepen my understanding of 'people’s leprosy organisations'; their worldwide activities, report presentation, and strategies for reducing stigma associated with the disease. During the group work sessions, participants shared the results of their preparatory needs assessments. Groups for discussion were designed to be 'cross-regional' to encourage identification of shared challenges. I enjoyed learning from experts in the field, sharing knowledge, and exploring ways to reduce stigma and sustainable development of our organisation.
I gained a deeper understanding of the global impact of leprosy, recent advances in diagnosis and treatment, and the importance of early detection to prevent disabilities. The programme emphasised integrated approaches, community participation, stigma reduction, and rehabilitation strategies. Interacting with global experts and peers enriched my perspective and provided exposure to innovative practices being implemented in different countries.
Despite the terrible conditions people face, quality of care varies greatly from those in Bangladesh, yet they manage to progress their recovery well. From Indonesia’s 'PerMaTa Federation' I have learnt working with youthful leaders will help strengthen the federation and provide better emotional and social support for people who are coming to terms with their diagnosis. I hope our learning will help us to redesign our federation and inspire new community leaders to join our cause.
Three important documents have been drafted from the 3rd Global Forum for people affected by leprosy, which will be beneficial if implemented:
The Global Forum concluded with a powerful speech by WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination Yohei Sasakawa. He praised the leadership of people affected by leprosy and urged all stakeholders to act with urgency and unity. He also reaffirmed his personal lifelong commitment to eliminating leprosy and associated discrimination.
Overall, the event strengthened my commitment to contribute towards eliminating leprosy and improving the quality of life of affected individuals."
Taslima Akter
Chairperson of Bogura Federation
29 August 2025
