Nipon Foundation to help eradicate leprosy

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The Japanese Nipon Foundation will assist the Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry to eradicate leprosy from Sri Lanka.

Foundation Chairman, Yohei Sasakawa will arrive in Sri Lanka on May 3 for an inspection tour and discussions, a Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman, Sasakawa will inspect the Hendala Leprosy Hospital and have a special discussion with the Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry spokesman and other relevant persons and organisations.

The Nipon Foundation will fund the Sri Lanka's leprosy eradication program.

Sasakawa had described the elimination of leprosy as his life's work, and spends one third of every year travelling around the world as WHO Goodwill Ambassador. He has initiated a campaign to end discrimination and other human rights violations faced by leprosy patients worldwide.