21st International Leprosy Congress

The International Leprosy Congress (ILC) is an important event held in various parts of the world to bring together key stakeholders in the field of leprosy to discuss new knowledge and share experiences. This year’s Congress (Hyderabad, India, 8-11 November) is being organised by Indian leprosy and dermatology associations (IAL & IADVL) and Central Leprosy Division (CLD) NLEP, MoHFW, Govt of India; under the auspices of International Leprosy Association (ILA).  The preparations are underway with full vigour for the 21st ILC and below are some of the details of the congress:

VENUE AND FORMAT:

Dates: November 8-11, 2022
Venue: HITEX Convention Centre, Hyderabad
Theme: Better Knowledge – Early Diagnosis – Improved Care

The Congress will be a HYBRID CONGRESS with about 1000-1500 physical delegates and unlimited possibility of e-delegates. There will be an opportunity for more than 110 hours of scientific deliberations. The planned schedule for the congress will be:

Web-based Sessions: November 8th Evening -10th Evening, 2022 (Tuesday to Thursday)
Plenary Sessions: November 9th Morning -11th Afternoon, 2022 (Wednesday to Friday)
Breakout sessions: November 9th afternoon -11th Evening, 2022 (Wednesday to Friday)

In addition, Pre-conference meetings on 7th and 8th November and post conference meetings on 12th November are possible with prior information at the venue.

IMPORTANT DATES

Registration:
Early bird registration: 20th February – 30th April, 2022.
Regular registration: 1st May – 31st August, 2022
Late/Onsite registration: 1st September – 9th November, 2022

Abstract submission:
Opens on: 1st March, 2022
Closes on: 31st May, 2022.
Information on the outcome of abstract submission: Before 30th June, 2022.

TYPES OF SUBMISSIONS

A. Oral presentations (Both at physical conference and at web-based sessions)
B. Posters (Both at physical conference and at web based session as E Posters)
C. Case reports (Both at physical conference and at web-based sessions)
D. Short Video presentation. (A new category)

Please visit the ILC website for further information regarding registration, abstract types and their submission, and other information: https://www.ilc-india2022.com/

ILEP Statement of commitments – Global Disability Summit 2022

ILEP member staff were among the 7,000 participants at the Global Disability Summit (GDS) this month, the world’s biggest event focused on disability inclusion. A vital feature of the GDS is the commitments made by states, NGOs, companies and others, about what they will do to boost the meaningful engagement of persons with disabilities. ILEP’s nine global commitments, based on our 2021-2025 strategy, are listed below.

1. ILEP will lobby and advocate towards a minimum 50% reduction in the number of laws and regulations (numbering 130 worldwide as at January 2022) that discriminate against persons affected by leprosy.

2. ILEP will put systems in place to monitor anti-leprosy stigma levels in countries, especially at community level, at regular intervals; and ILEP Member associations will strive at all levels towards positive attitudinal change and an end to leprosy-related stigma and discrimination.

3. ILEP will continue to publicise its Statement on Participation by persons affected by leprosy, and advocate for the practical application of the Statement by member associations.

4. ILEP will consult regularly with the Advisory Panel of Persons Affected by Leprosy, particularly on strategic and policy issues, and through the Panel will amplify the voice of national organisations of persons affected by leprosy; and ILEP, in participation with existing national organisations, will encourage and appropriately support a 50% increase in the number of countries with credible national organisations representing persons affected by leprosy.

5. ILEP member associations will consider appropriate support for formation and sustainability of autonomous national organisations that represent persons affected by leprosy.

6. ILEP will encourage and support countries to maintain accurate records of patients with disabilities and/or at-risk, both during and at completion of anti-leprosy drug treatment.

7. ILEP will work to increase to 20 the number of countries that specifically include leprosy in their national human rights frameworks, in line with the CRPD-influenced Principles and Guidelines for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy and their Family Members.

8. ILEP will encourage and provide practical support to organisations representing persons affected by leprosy, to build capacity to make direct submissions or reports to the CRPD Committee and other relevant instruments of the OHCHR.

9. ILEP will (a) promote usage in national training programmes of ILEP/NNN Guides on Stigma and Mental Wellbeing; and (b) support and advocate for access to basic psychological support at points of care, and to referral services to address mental health needs of persons affected by leprosy in the health system.