MANGUPURA, balitourismnopw.com – The 22nd International Leprosy Congress in 2025 officially opened at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC) Bali, Indonesia, Monday, July 7, 2025.
This congress brings together scientists, health professionals, policy makers, people with leprosy, and civil society under one common goal, “Towards a World Without Leprosy.”
The International Leprosy Congress (ILC) is an international scientific meeting held to advance the research, treatment, and understanding of leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease.
Organized periodically, the ILC brings together health professionals, researchers, policymakers, and representatives from affected communities worldwide to discuss the latest developments in the field of leprosy elimination and control.
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The Congress, held annually, serves as the world’s premier platform to review scientific progress, share best practices, and coordinate actions to eliminate leprosy — one of humanity’s oldest and most misunderstood diseases.
A Global Vision toward Zero Leprosy
Under the patronage of the World Health Organization (WHO) and hosted by [National Ministry of Health / Organizing Institution], ILC 2025 emphasizes three goals:
• Zero Transmission
• Zero Disability
• Zero Discrimination
“We are closer than ever to defeating leprosy. But to achieve zero leprosy, we must act decisively — with science, compassion, and unity,” said Prof.Dr.dr.M.Yulianto Listiawan,Sp.DVE,Subsp.OBK as a Chairman ILC 2025.
For many years, the fight against leprosy—both within individual countries and at the international level—has benefited from the dedication and commitment of partners such as the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations (ILEP).
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In 2018, these partners, along with many others, came together to form the Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy (GPZL), uniting their efforts to advance the global elimination of the disease.
Highlights of ILC 2025
• Launch of the 2025–2035 Global Leprosy Roadmap, outlining strategic milestones for elimination.
• Presentations on cutting-edge diagnostics, next-generation therapies, and genomic research.
• Voices of persons affected by leprosy, sharing powerful stories of resilience and advocacy.
• Special sessions on integrating leprosy care into universal health coverage and combatting social stigma through education and policy.
Global Commitment and Collaboration
More than 1000 delegates representing over 12 countries are participating in the Congress, reflecting an unprecedented and unified commitment to the global goal of ending leprosy.
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Nations such as India, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Indonesia have renewed national elimination strategies, while emerging partnerships with the private sector and research institutions are accelerating innovation in the field.
“This is not just a medical issue — it is a human rights issue,” stated [UN/WHO representative]. “ILC 2025 represents a turning point in global solidarity.”
Since May 2001, the World Health Organization has also relied on the dedicated efforts of Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy, who has travelled globally to advocate for the elimination of the disease.
Through various grant projects, efforts continue to build a society free from stigma and discrimination against leprosy and to encourage affected individuals to achieve full access to treatments and services they require.
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“ILC 2025 is not just a conference. It is a commitment — to end transmission, restore dignity, and create a future where leprosy is no longer a forgotten disease,” said DR. Medhi Denisa, SP.D.V.E.,SUBSP.D.T.,FINSDV,FAADV, as a Secretary and one of Speaker. [ara]