On the occasion of the 62nd edition, the Association founded by the first lady, Chantal Biya, made a move Sunday at the Yaoundé Jamot hospital.

Leprosy patients, old and new as well as their families have celebrated the 62nd world leprosy day yesterday at the Yaoundé Jamot hospital. And as every year, the circle of friends of Cameroon (Cerac), founded by the first lady of Cameroon, Chantal Biya, remained true to its principles of solidarity and love for the sick.

Under the chairmanship of the head of delegation, Mrs Cécile Oyono, Cerac members came with their hands full with gifts among others; bags of rice and salt, cartons of fish spawning and dry, refined oil, lemonade, buckets with lid palettes, food and health support for this vulnerable persons.

For Ms. Cécile Oyono, in joining the fight against leprosy, the first lady, Chantal Biya, Goodwill Ambassador of Unesco for education and social inclusion sends a message of comfort to the sick to stay engaged in the eradication of the disease.

"Mrs. Chantal Biya welcomes your social integration and the realization of your civil rights. You are of full Cameroonian", she reassured.

Celebrated every last Sunday of the month of January, the 62nd Edition of the world leprosy day was placed under the theme: "leprosy is still there. It is curable; let us get tested in a health centre".

The occasion gave the opportunity to the Reverend Cyril Engomo to exalt the benefits of friendship in his religious office. The example of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Saint John, the Shepherd of Christ has welcomed the physical presence of Cerac which knows how to stay faithful to its commitments with the leprosy patients, formerly considered to be marginalized.

Its sequel, Georgette Lang, President of the former lepers and leprosy patients, thanked the presidential couple for their investment in the empowerment of the vulnerable who can now vote. Even if support for some cases still requires great efforts, it appears that 75% of patients are integrated and accepted despite mentalities.