Jakarta, July 8 -- The Health Ministry has partnered with the Sasakawa Health Foundation to strengthen efforts to end leprosy in Indonesia by 2030 through five measures.

"I realize that leprosy is not just about the number of cases. Leprosy is a disease that has brought stigma and discrimination (to sufferers). Hence, we need great efforts so Indonesia can achieve zero leprosy, zero disability, and zero stigma," Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said.

In a statement issued here on Monday, he said the five measures include expanding disease elimination efforts to 111 districts and cities, up from 42 initially, and initiating mass screening in five priority regions starting this month. The five regions are Tangerang, Bekasi District, Br...