Indonesia and Japan’s Foundation Partner to Eliminate Leprosy

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is partnering with the Japan-based Sasakawa Health Foundation to eliminate leprosy across the country. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin aims to reach this goal by 2030.

He recently had a talk show with foundation chairman and WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination Yohei Sasakawa to strengthen this long-term commitment in Jakarta on Wednesday, 15 January 2026.

The strategy focuses on massive screening to identify as many cases as possible. Indonesia recently reported a sharp increase in the number of identified leprosy patients. The Minister views this rise positively rather than as a failure for the country.

Increased case findings suggest that more Indonesians are seeking medical help. It shows a growing public awareness of the disease despite long-standing social stigmas.

The Minister elieves identifying more patients is a vital opportunity to reduce transmission risks.

Nanti n this manner, the Sasakawa Foundation provides support by securing a steady supply of medicine. They also fund regional screening projects to help reach remote or high-risk areas.

This collaboration ensures that effective antibiotics remain available for all patients in need.

The Indonesian government wants to ensure the disease is caught early and treated immediately. Minister Sadikin mentioned that there are already pilot projects in five districts in Indonesia and it shows success.

"So, seeing its success in these five districts, we would now like to replicate it not in five districts but in 514 cities. That is why we have included this in the Free Health Check program,” he stated.

Minister Sadikin also explained the updated World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for eliminating leprosy. He notes that the target has shifted from a specific prevalence ratio to a focus on ending transmission entirely.

To achieve official elimination, a country must report zero new cases among children for five consecutive years and zero new adult cases for three years.