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 Raoul Follereau: 110th Anniversary of Birth 60th World Day of Leprosy Scott 1541 (2013) World Day of Leprosy occurs annually on the Sunday nearest 30 January. Raoul Follereau (1903-1977) was responsible for promoting recognition by the United Nations of world-wide efforts to combat leprosy (Hansen's Disease). Vatican City issued a single 2,00-euro stamp recognizing Follereau's lifelong efforts to increase understanding about leprosy and to raise funds for combating the disease. The year 2013 marked the 110th anniversary of Follereau's birth and also marked the 60th World Leprosy Day, as noted by the stamp's inscription, "Sessantesima Giornata mondiale dei malati di lebbra." Today, approximately seventeen African and Asian countries account for 94% of new cases of leprosy. These countries are: Angola, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sudan and the United Republic of Tanzania. United Nations sources state that indifference to combating the disease has proven difficult to overcome. The efforts of Follereau helped shine a light on this terrible affliction. Artist Daniela Longo designed the stamp, which depicts Follereau with his silver-handled dog's head walking stick and a group of children. Be sure to click on the tab for today's Page 2 article, which looks at two saints tied to the fight against leprosy: Father Damien of Molokai and Mother Marianne Cope. REFERENCE: |
