Last and Longest Mile: Yohei Sasakawa's Struggle to Eliminate Leprosy

The Last and Longest Mile is a book that tells the story of the WHO's offer of free multidrug therapy for leprosy in 1995–9 and the Nippon Foundation's continued pursuit of elimination of leprosy. Yohei Sasakawa, the organization's chairman, has personally traveled the world to lead the struggle against leprosy and discrimination against leprosy patients.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 12 August 2021
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

This book provides a captivating account of the multifaceted battle against leprosy and the accompanying discrimination. Leprosy, despite its generally weak resistance to the immune system, persists in communities with inadequate nutrition and weak disease control measures, often due to poverty or lack of adequate healthcare. Consequently, the fight against leprosy has involved the implementation of highly effective multidrug therapy, aimed at reaching and providing treatment to those in need.

The Last and Longest Mile delves into the story of the World Health Organization's (WHO) remarkable initiative in 1995–9, where they offered leprosy treatment free of charge across the globe, thanks to vital funding from the Nippon Foundation. This initiative was a testament to the organization's commitment to eradicating leprosy and ensuring access to healthcare for all.

Since then, the Nippon Foundation has continued to play a pivotal role in the fight against leprosy. Yohei Sasakawa, the organization's chairman, has personally traveled the world, leading the charge against the disease and combating discrimination against leprosy patients and their families. This effort has been crucial in raising awareness and promoting understanding, but it has lagged behind the campaign to eradicate leprosy itself.

Award-winning writer Fumihiko Takayama accompanied Sasakawa on his seven-year global crusade from 2009. In this book, Takayama recounts the milestones of their journey, explores the significant advancements and setbacks experienced along the way, and reveals the personal sense of mission that drives Yohei Sasakawa.

Through their tireless efforts, Sasakawa and Takayama have played a significant role in shaping the global response to leprosy. Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, dedication, and collaboration in the fight against diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. The Last and Longest Mile is a testament to the power of human resilience and the potential for positive change in the face of adversity.

Weight: 626g
Dimension: 166 x 241 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787383401