Bali, Indonesia – July 4-9, 2025
Three representatives from ALO Society—Mr. Klinton Malakar, Mr. Solaiman Ali, and Mr. Shusanta Chakma—participated in the 3rd Global Forum of People’s Organizations on Hansen’s Disease, held in Bali, Indonesia, from July 3 to July 6, 2025. Organized by the Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative, the forum brought together over 110 representatives from 21 countries to address the key challenges faced by persons affected by leprosy.
From ALO Society, both an experienced leader and a young leader affected by leprosy joined the forum. Their participation enabled them to gain a deeper understanding of the global context surrounding leprosy and to learn from the experiences and strategies being implemented worldwide. The forum focused on promoting human rights, combating stigma, and strengthening the voices of those directly impacted by Hansen’s disease. It embraced a people-centered approach, with the design and facilitation of the sessions led by individuals who have personal experience with the disease.
One of the major outcomes of the forum was the development of a Letter of Commitment and a set of Recommendations to Stakeholders, calling for urgent and collective action to protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of persons affected by Hansen’s disease.
During the forum, the ALO team presented a Needs Assessment Report, highlighting the critical challenges faced by individuals affected by leprosy in Bangladesh—particularly in the areas of mental health and human rights violations. Their contributions offered valuable insight into the unique struggles of the leprosy-affected community in South Asia and helped broaden the global understanding of regional disparities.
Following the forum, ALO Society also took part in the 22nd International Leprosy Congress (ILC), a globally recognized scientific conference dedicated to advancing leprosy research, treatment, and policy. Held at the same location, the ILC was centered around the theme: “Towards a World with Zero Leprosy.”
At the ILC, ALO presented an e-poster on Digital Leprosy Complication Care, showcasing its innovative approach to integrating technology in the treatment and management of leprosy-related complications in low-resource settings.
These two international events provided a significant opportunity for ALO Society to represent the voices of the leprosy-affected community in Bangladesh on a global platform. Through their active engagement, ALO continued to advocate for inclusive healthcare, mental health support, and the protection of human rights, reaffirming its commitment to building a just and equitable future for all persons affected by Hansen’s disease..
