World Leprosy Day to be celebrated 25^th January

(20 Jan,2009): The 56^th World Leprosy Day will be celebrated on Sunday 25^th January. Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan – President of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers expressed his nearness to all those who suffer from Hansen’s disease, and to those who look after them. In a letter issued on Tuesday he said “The annual celebration of the World Leprosy Day is a great appointment of solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are afflicted by Hansen’s disease, which still today, strikes over 250,000 people, most of whom, live in conditions of poverty. According to the most recent figures given by the World Health Organisation, in 2007 there were over 254,525 new leprosy cases, with some 212,802 people being treated for it, among them many children.. According to the calculations of the Italian Ass. of the Friends of Raoul Follereau, (AIFO), each year there are 40.000 children with leprosy and about 12% of all new cases of leprosy are children under the age of 15.
Cardinal Barragan said basing itself on the example of Jesus Christ, the Church has always dedicated special care to the people afflicted by leprosy. He upheld Blessed Fr. Damien de Veuster, the untiring apostle, who looked after numerous victims of leprosy, saying he is a symbol of all those consecrated to Christ with religious vows, who still today, dedicate their lives to leprosy victims.
Cardinal Barragan also referred to the originator and promoter of this World Leprosy Day, Raoul Follereau, who continues his beneficial action through the “Ass. Of Friends” which is dedicated to him. He praised non governmental organisations and associations that go beyond religious and ideological affiliations to help victims of leprosy. The prelate appealed to all those who lead government organisations, to pay special attention in the implementation of health programs and plans in various parts of the world to children who are sick with leprosy, and run the risk of seeing their futures destroyed. This 56^th world day, he said. is a suitable opportunity to offer the human community correct information about leprosy, its devastating effects and render active fraternal solidarity.