1. By: José Ramirez Jr., LCSW USA Coordinator for IDEA Member, International Working Group for Human Rights Managing Editor, The STAR VOICES OF PEOPLE AFFECTED BY LEPROSY 8 TH CONFERENCE OF STATES PARTIES UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2015 Supported By: UNDESA The Nippon Foundation The Permanent Mission of Ethiopia The Permanent Mission of Japan 1

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3. FIGHTING SPIRIT AWARD 3

4. MYTHYS X HISTORY = LOSSES 4

5.  Blindness  Lost Sight  Disappearing Horizon  Darkness  Stars 5

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11. Erving Goffman, 1963 Defined stigma as “the process by which the reaction of others spoils normal identity.” Goffman suggested that stigma is comprised of two major components: public (reaction of general public) and self (prejudice that people tend to turn towards themselves). 11

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14. TEXASLOUISIANA 14

15. STIGMA ACROSS CULTURES  Punishment from God  Support Systems  Use of or Lack of alternative medicine  Culture of recipient of services may clash with the culture of the provider of service. CONSEQUENCES OF STIGMA  Delay in seeking treatment for fear of rejection.  Withholding information from family or others who may be able to help.  Impaired quality of life. EFFECTS OF STIGMA  Forced institutionalization  Loss of rights and dignity  Loss of identity-burials  Lifetime of labels - “Leper” - Patient 15

16. By: José Ramirez, Jr., LCSW 16

17. By: José Ramirez, Jr., LCSW 17

18. KNOWLEDGE ABOUT LEPORSY IS POWERFUL We are all human beings IGNORANCE ABOUT LEPROSY IS MORE POWERFUL Images lead to stigma LEPROSY CAN CAUSE BLINDNESS Inability to blink darkens sight SOCIETY IS BLINDED BY MYTHS AND FEAR OF LEPROSY Creates “Eye of Exclusion” PERSONS AFFECTED AND IMPACTED ARE STARTING TO BOND Creates “Eye of Inclusion” 18