In November 2010, Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation (SMHF) and Sasakawa Health Science Foundation (SHSF) have consolidated as one foundation, for the advancement of further contributions in respective professions. For over 30 years, SMHF has worked to free the world from various problems deriving from Hansen's disease (HD) and its associated conditions, while SHSF has made commitment to the improvement of palliative care in Japan, in order to achieve and enhance quality of life for individuals with all known diseases and their family members.

When SMHF was established in 1974, there were estimated 12 million people suffering from HD. With the introduction of Multidrug Therapy (MDT) in the early 1980s, the number of annual new cases has come down to approximately 240,000 today, yet stigma and discrimination due to HD are deep-rooted in the society. It is therefore of vital importance that we address the issue of restoring dignity of persons affected by HD and their family members, ensuring equal access to opportunities, and achieving an inclusive society where each and every one of us live together as essential members of the society.

SHSF has exerted great effort to the enhancement of emotional and social aspects of palliative care along with its medical aspect. The foundation strongly believes that palliative care must be accessible for any individuals with all known diseases and their family members, and encompasses physical, psychosocial, and spiritual relief of pain and suffering. It is; a total and holistic care for all people, accessible at any time and from any locations where support and care are needed. The current scope of palliative care in Japan is limited to the terminal care of cancer and HIV/AIDS patients, but SMHF plans to expand its reach to assist everyone in need of support in order to improve the quality of life of individuals confronting various diseases.

SMHF and SHSF, together as one foundation, will share the accumulated knowledge and experiences and make an utmost use of our resources, reaching out to the world for a better world where every member of society will find and enjoy the unique value for life.

Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara
President
Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation