As always, this year too, on 11th March 2022, IDEA Nepal in coordination with Nepal Leprosy Network, and Southwestern State College organized a great event of celebration of the 25th International Day of Dignity and Respect in the glorious presence of the Honorable Member of Parliament of Nepal, Badri Pandey.

 Prabhu Bank Ltd was the main sponsor while KIF Musickotha (local church) was the co-sponsor of the event. The program was observed by government officials, representatives from the Leprosy networks, representatives from WHO (Dr. Khim Pa Pa), international delegates (Mr. Ramavarai Sah, Joint-secretary, APAL India) and (Mr. Rev Thuraisamy Sivagnanam Joshua) journalists, teachers and students, people who have experienced Hansen’s disease and their family members, relatives, and neighbors.

During the program, six individuals were honored for their remarkable contributions in the field of leprosy. Three persons are people with lived experience who have remarkable contributions and are exemplary in advocating, spreading awareness, and fostering leadership, while the other three are the individuals who have significant contributions in bringing smiles to the faces of those who have experienced Hansen’s disease. Following were the individuals honored during the event:

The Chief Guest, Honorable Member of Parliament of Nepal, Badri Pandey, stated that none should be discriminated against for their medical conditions. He further stated that he is committed to amplifying the people’s voices to abolish the discriminatory laws in Nepal.