Raising awareness of leprosy
Breaking stigma, spreading awareness, and supporting inclusion
Each month, the Sunflower focuses on a different non-visible disability to help build understanding, challenge stigma, and support inclusion.
This month’s focus is leprosy.
Leprosy is a condition many people mistakenly believe no longer exists. In reality, it still affects people around the world today. Alongside the physical impacts, outdated myths and stigma can make living with leprosy particularly isolating. Because leprosy can be a hidden disability, the experiences of those living with it are often overlooked or misunderstood. At the Sunflower, we are committed to increasing visibility, understanding, and compassion for people affected by leprosy. World Leprosy Day is recognised each year on the last Sunday of January. While this global awareness day plays an important role in shining a spotlight on leprosy, our commitment to supporting people affected by leprosy continues throughout the year.
Understanding leprosy: breaking stigma and building support
To support leprosy awareness, we hosted a 30-minute educational webinar for Sunflower Corporate and Global Members.
The session explores what leprosy is today, addresses common misconceptions, and shares how organisations can create more supportive and inclusive environments for colleagues and customers.
The webinar recording is available to Corporate and Global Sunflower Members to watch on demand in your Sunflower account.
Learn more about leprosy
Want to raise awareness across your business? We’ve created a Leprosy invisible disabilities index entry to explain the condition, highlight the lived experience of those affected, and provide guidance on how to offer understanding and support.
Sunflower personalised cards
Our personalised Sunflower cards allow individuals to quietly communicate what they want others to know, without needing to say a word.
These help reduce anxiety and allow people with Leprosy to move more confidently through public and professional spaces.
Keep an eye on the Sunflower shop for the latest cards and products to support leprosy awareness.
Podcast: Living with leprosy
As part of our ongoing awareness work, we spoke with Chris Stratta from The Leprosy Mission on the Sunflower Conversations podcast.
In this 25-minute episode, Living with Leprosy, Chris shares insights into life with the condition and the importance of understanding, dignity, and inclusion. The episode is available to listen to on demand.