Erode: An Indian doctor, who has been in the forefront of welfare of leprosy-affected people, has been invited to present a paper at an international symposium at Vatican City.
P.K. Gopal, who is based at Erode in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, has won Padma Shri, one of the top civilian awards in India, for his work among Hansenites. He will highlight the contribution of Hinduism to combat leprosy at the Vatican meet.
Other Indian speakers at the symposium include Fr Arputham Arulsamy, associate director of Catholic Health Association of India (India) who will talk on ‘The Concern and Care of the Church in India for People with Leprosy’; and Vagavathali Narsappa, president, Association of People Affected by Leprosy (India).
The June 9-10 international symposium addressed the topic, ‘Towards Holistic Care for People with Hansen’s Disease, Respectful of Their Dignity.
Experts from all over the world will address the ‘Triple Challenge’ of reducing the disease burden, helping the sick and their families, and integrating them into society.
The global meet is co-organized by the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers and The Nippon Foundation, in cooperation with the Good Samaritan Foundation; the Fondation Raoul Follereau, the Sovereign Order of Malta; and Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation.
Gopal will present his paper on June 10. He will take part in a Round Table in his capacity as president of IDEA India (Integration, Dignity and Economic Advancement of people Affected by Leprosy) on the final day.
The final day’s Round Table will also witness speakers representing Islam, Judaism and Buddhism. It will be followed by testimonies of associations, NGOs and organizations of people affected by leprosy, reports The Hindu newspaper.
Italy’s Minister for Health Beatrice Lorenzin is one of the speakers at the meet.
The Round Table on ‘The Contribution of the Church and other faith Communities’ will be moderated by Mary Healey Sedutto, Founder and Director of the ‘Hope for a Healthier Humanity’ Foundation (USA).