The four-month-long leprosy awareness campaign concluded with a vibrant closing event attended by key stakeholders. The program featured various components, including a special initiative focused on promoting leprosy awareness in schools.
At the closing ceremony, 20 students from Birhu Tesfa Primary School and Cruise School were honored as Leprosy Ambassadors and entrusted with the responsibility of raising awareness in their schools and local communities. The event also recognized the invaluable contributions of seasoned health professionals who have dedicated years to leprosy treatment, alongside medical and social workers currently providing exceptional care and support. Emerging healthcare professionals passionate about serving the leprosy community were acknowledged for their enthusiasm and commitment, while individuals advocating for the rights of people affected by leprosy were commended for their tireless efforts in combatting stigma and discrimination. Certificates of appreciation were presented to participating schools and coordinating teachers in recognition of their efforts in promoting leprosy awareness through education.
Dr. Fezile Mkhize, an International Leprosy Ambassador from South Africa, participated in the event and shared key insights on awareness initiatives across Ethiopia, Mozambique, and the Philippines. He also joined a half-day training session provided to the student ambassadors by The Leprosy Mission International–Ethiopia (TLMI-E), where he emphasized the importance of discipline and effective communication in serving as impactful ambassadors. The training focused on developing communication skills for engaging underserved communities.
The forum was opened by Dr. Tsehaynesh Lema, Coordinator of the Awareness Campaign and Director of the Laboratory Directorate at AHRI, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the individuals and organizations that have consistently championed leprosy awareness and care.
The successful implementation of the campaign was made possible through collaboration between the Sasakawa Health Foundation, the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, the Ethiopian National Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy (ENAPAL), and The Leprosy Mission International–Ethiopia (TLMI-E).