Throughout history, leprosy has stood out not only as a disease but also as a symbol of social exclusion and stigmatisation. Since the 1980s, this disease has become the subject of many academic studies from different disciplines. Organised by the Social Responsibility Application and Research Centre and student clubs in collaboration with the Social Work, Nursing and Orthotics-Prosthetics departments of the Faculty of Health Sciences, ‘A Disease in the Shadow of Stigma: Leprosy, Hello Living!’ drew attention to the historical and social dimensions of leprosy. In the event, Prof. Dr. Türkan Saylan's selfless contributions in the fight against leprosy were emphasised and it was stated that leprosy should be considered not only as a biological disease but also as a phenomenon affecting the social structure.
Asst. Prof. Emrah Tüncer, addressing leprosy with its socio-political dimensions, presented information on how the changes in the world order in the 1940s and afterwards transformed the social structure in Turkey. In particular, the interruptions in the philosophy of education and the effects of capitalism were emphasised, and it was emphasised that the real change in the fight against leprosy would be possible through solidarity established by people sharing their values. In the event, it was explained that the place of leprosy in the historical process is not only medical, but also has an important place in social solidarity and transforming the social structure.
One of the main speakers, Lecturer Mücella Soydan, one of the main speakers, informed the participants about the public health studies carried out with Prof. Dr. Türkan Saylan at the Istanbul Leprosy Hospital between 1984-1999. Soydan stated that projects aiming to ensure the participation of patients living in rural areas in social and economic life are an important step in the fight against leprosy. In addition, Asst. Prof.Yücel shared Michel Foucault's thoughts on the technologies of power and emphasised that diseases should be addressed not only as a biological but also as a social and political issue. All the speeches throughout the event revealed the importance of adopting inclusive, not exclusionary, policies in the fight against diseases.
