Dr. Fezile Mkhize, the outgoing Mister Supranational 2024, is on his final global tour as the titleholder. His latest stop brought him back to the Horn of Africa, with a return visit to Ethiopia last week. Dr. Fezile Mkhize returned to Ethiopia to continue championing the cause he so wholeheartedly supports.

He attended the Leprosy Stigma Awareness Conference, held in Ethiopia, a gathering he described as both inspiring and moving. “Meeting so many familiar faces who are at the forefront of eradicating leprosy, and getting to present the work done by Mister Supranational and the Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative throughout my tenure, allowed me to connect and stand with them in raising awareness around such a socially crippling issue but also to speak of the amazing steps we are taking,” shared Dr. Fezile. He added, “With over 100 years of experience in the room, it was truly inspirational and aspirational. Brick by brick, we move towards zero cases.”

In his public journal, Dr. Fezile further explained the reason for revisiting Ethiopia, stating that it stems from both love and duty as Mister Supranational. “As Mister Supranational 2024, I have an array of responsibilities that align with our organization’s ethos, Inspirational and Aspirational and it is with these words at the forefront of my mind that I travelled to the beautiful country of Ethiopia,” said Fezile.

In January, Dr. Fezile spent seven days in Ethiopia as an awareness-raising representative for the Supranational Organization, in collaboration with the Sasakawa Health Foundation. He immersed himself in Ethiopian culture and found its greatest treasure to be its people. In Addis Ababa, the reigning Mister Supranational and the Supranational team were warmly welcomed and cared for by the incredible Dr. Lema and her phenomenal team at the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI).

The team visited ALERT Hospital, the Institute itself, various branches of the Ethiopian National Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy (ENAPAL), the Addis Ababa Leprosy and Disability Rehabilitation Association (ALDRA), and the Ministry of Health. In addition to learning about current challenges, they gained insight into the rich history of these institutions and the tremendous work that has gone into reducing leprosy cases in Ethiopia over the years.

According to Dr. Fezile, one of the major recurring issues in public health discussions is the stigma and discrimination surrounding leprosy, often rooted in misinformation. “A key issue that kept being highlighted was the stigma and subsequent discrimination that so many persons affected by leprosy face. These persist because of a lack of understanding. Word must be spread: leprosy is not as infectious as once believed, nor is it passed down through family lines,” explained Dr. Fezile.

In Shashamane, Dr. Fezile visited the hospital where he encountered the ulcer care clinic, the in-patient facilities, and the out-patient department, which cares for individuals beginning treatment. The team also visited a local branch of ENAPAL, where they heard about the remarkable work being done to support its members. The organization provides education and builds community, creating a safe haven for individuals affected by leprosy or currently undergoing treatment.

Dr. Fezile praised the unity and resilience of the Ethiopian community, who have risen against all odds. “I was incredibly inspired by the village that had formed there. It was composed of persons affected by leprosy and their family members, who had come together to generate income through agriculture and to build support structures for one another, creating a palpable sense of community.”

“My short but impactful stay in Addis Ababa and Shashamane has stayed with me. I found the greatest issue to be misconceptions about leprosy. These mistaken beliefs cause immense suffering most notably social isolation. This isolation creates a range of problems: reluctance to seek healthcare, inability to find employment, and limited opportunity to build relationships. These challenges are more damaging than the disease itself, as they hurt the very soul of a person,” said Mister Supranational.

The Supranational Organization, in collaboration with the Sasakawa Health Foundation, remains committed to raising awareness about leprosy. They have documented their experiences and engaged global audiences online to foster conversation and share accurate information about the disease and those affected by it. “This disease is neither hereditary nor highly infectious. Those who have suffered or are currently suffering from leprosy are capable individuals who want to contribute to society. They deserve recognition for their strength in overcoming it, and every right and dignity afforded to anyone else in society,” said Fezile.