Many in the UK believe leprosy has been eradicated, yet it still occurs in 120 countries, with more than 200,000 new cases every year. For World Leprosy Day, we helped St Francis Leprosy Guild show that it is not a disease of the past: leprosy is curable and early treatment prevents disability, but people living with it still face stigma and discrimination. We put a tropical disease nurse and lecturer who is a trustee of the charity, alongside a representative of the Guild, on air across a radio day of interviews, plus TV. The campaign secured 8 items of radio and TV coverage reaching 2.8 million, including talkRADIO and TalkTV.
St Francis Leprosy Guild wanted to increase awareness of the Guild and its work, and show that leprosy is not a disease of the past.
The message
Leprosy is no longer prevalent in the UK but still affects millions worldwide and is linked to poverty. The Guild relies on donations to continue its work finding and treating new cases.
The angle
Many in the UK believe leprosy has been eradicated, yet it still occurs in 120 countries with more than 200,000 new cases every year. It is curable and early treatment prevents disability, but people living with it still face stigma and discrimination.
On air
A tropical disease nurse and lecturer who is a trustee of the charity, and a representative of the charity
The result
8 items of coverage reaching 2.8 million, including talkRADIO, TalkTV.
About World Leprosy Day
World Leprosy Day is held on the last Sunday in January. It was started in 1954 by the French humanitarian Raoul Follereau, with the date chosen as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. It raises awareness of leprosy and calls for an end to the stigma faced by people affected by it. For brands and charities with something useful to say, it gives radio and TV producers a timely reason to book an interview.
Planning World Leprosy Day for 2027?
World Leprosy Day next falls on Sunday 31 January 2027. Talk to the team about a broadcast PR campaign that gets your spokesperson on radio and TV.
