TOKYO, May 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Yohei Sasakawa has issued a rallying cry for the international community to step up efforts for a world without leprosy. "The last mile starts now," he said, addressing a reception held in Geneva on May 18 during the 79th World Health Assembly to mark his 25 years as an ambassador for leprosy elimination.
Hosted by the Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen's Disease) Initiative, the reception was attended by around 100 people, including health ministers of leprosy-endemic countries, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and other WHO officials, and Japanese government representatives.
Separately, Sasakawa also met with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Regional Directors, and the health ministers of the 16 priority countries for leprosy, including India, Brazil, and Indonesia, to exchange views on strengthening international cooperation in order to realize a world without leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease.
Although significant progress has been made in fighting the disease over the past 25 years, approximately 180,000 new cases are still reported each year, indicating that transmission of leprosy continues. People who contract leprosy still face stigma and discrimination, even though the disease is curable.
The reception, which was held at the Palais de Nations, introduced Sasakawa's achievements as an ambassador for leprosy elimination. It also highlighted the need to raise awareness and understanding of leprosy, and to strengthen international cooperation and advocacy in support of future initiatives.
Sasakawa was first appointed as Special Ambassador to the Global Alliance for the Elimination of Leprosy in 2001. He subsequently became WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, a role in which he has work tirelessly both for the elimination of the disease and the discrimination it causes.
To date, he has visited 127 countries and logged over 3,700 days on overseas missions. In recent years, he has repeatedly engaged with the leaders of the major endemic countries—India, Brazil and Indonesia—to promote measures against the disease.
In his official address at the World Health Assembly Plenary Meeting, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated: "I would like to recognize the leadership of Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, who is celebrating 25 years as the WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination. He is our longest-serving Goodwill Ambassador and is still running strong. Arigato gozaimasu."
Speaking at the reception, Sasakawa, who is honorary chair of The Nippon Foundation, thanked the WHO, governments, NGOs, health workers and organizations of persons affected by leprosy for their support over the past 25 years. He then said, "Even though leprosy is curable, many people still suffer from stigma and discrimination. The international community must strengthen its cooperation to tackle this issue, driven by a strong commitment to leaving no one behind.
Now 87 years old, Sasakawa expressed his belief that "problems and solutions are both found in the field" and said he was determined to work "body and soul" until every person affected by leprosy has been reached.
"The Last Mile Starts Now" is the latest iteration of the "Don't Forget Leprosy" campaign that Sasakawa launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign has helped to promote solidarity among stakeholders and keep leprosy in the spotlight.
It is based on the idea that the last mile of any journey is the most difficult, even as we make progress toward our destination of a leprosy-free world. As Sasakawa likes to say, "On a hundred-mile journey, the 99th mile should be considered halfway."
"With renewed determination to complete our task, we have chosen the slogan 'The Last Mile Starts Now' for the next phase of our campaign," he said. "I hope the international community will join me in taking further action so that we reach our shared goal of a world without leprosy and the problems it causes. The last mile starts now."
About Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen's Disease) Initiative
Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative is a strategic alliance of the WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, the Sasakawa Health Foundation and The Nippon Foundation to realize a leprosy-free world. Since 1975, the initiative has, through the WHO, supported governments in their fight against leprosy, contributing more than US$200 million. It has also made significant contributions to support organizations of persons affected by leprosy and has been instrumental in bringing leprosy to the attention of the United Nations, resulting in the adoption of several UN resolutions on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members, and the appointment of a UN Rapporteur on leprosy in 2017.
About leprosy
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is an infectious disease that primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves. Approximately 180,000 new cases are reported worldwide every year. Although leprosy is curable, delayed diagnosis and treatment can result in permanent disability. Beyond the physical toll, many people who have experienced leprosy continue to face deep-seated stigma and systemic discrimination, which prevents them from participating fully in society.
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WHO Goodwill Ambassador Issues Rallying Cry to Accelerate International Efforts to Eliminate Leprosy: "The Last Mile Starts Now"
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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Gravity Game Unite (GGU), the Malaysia subsidiary of global game company Gravity, has officially launched the Open Beta Test (OBT) for its PC MMORPG Ragnarok Zero: Global, revealing key game features and event benefits to help players enjoy the game to the fullest.
Ragnarok Zero: Global preserves the classic charm of Ragnarok Online by recreating its world view, 2D pixel art graphics, BGM, and core content, while also introducing new stories that expand the world of Midgard.
A Modern Interpretation of Classic RO Charm with a Fresh Twist
Ragnarok Zero: Global delivers a polished first impression by modernizing the iconic visual assets of the Ragnarok IP, including its icons, launcher, and dedicated skins.
The game also offers intuitive UI that allows players to easily understand key features without additional learning, support for seven languages, and convenient features such as auto-hunt.
During this OBT, players can choose from various job classes based on the six original Ragnarok Online class lines: Swordsman, Mage, Merchant, Acolyte, Thief, and Archer, and play up to Level 50.
The game has been designed to provide a different kind of fun from the original by adjusting character progression and the overall gameplay flow. Players can hunt monsters more conveniently using the auto-hunt feature, while simplified travel routes help reduce fatigue when moving between regions. In addition, the expanded camera view enhances immersion by offering a wider and more open field of vision.
Special OBT Benefits Including Limited Titles and Exclusive Costume Items
Players can enjoy the OBT even more through various commemorative events prepared by Gravity Game Unite.
First, players who check in through the OBT page can receive 20,000 Free Kafra Points once per day. Special rewards will also be provided after the official launch based on the level achieved during the OBT period. In addition, Other events include the Bug Reporting Event and Player Survey Event, where players can share their feedback directly with the development team. Adventurers who participate in the event will also receive additional in-game rewards upon official launch.
Players who complete events through NPCs located in major cities can obtain the Top Adventurer Reward Box and the limited title "Pioneer." The GM Boss Summon Event also allows players to experience the fun of cooperative battles.
Players who take screenshots in their favorite in-game locations, upload them to their social media, and verify their participation will also receive in-game items. Other events include a Bug Report Event, while users who purchase a subscription plan of six months or longer during the OBT period will receive an exclusive limited-edition costume item.
Global User Participation in the OBT Fuels Growing Excitement for New Map
Through the OBT, Gravity Game Unite is working together with players from Southeast Asia, Europe, and Oceania to further improve the game's overall quality. Since the start of the OBT, many global users from each region have been actively participating in the game, while official communities and social media channels have seen lively activity, including event participation and screenshot sharing.
Based on user feedback and gameplay data collected during the OBT, Gravity Game Unite plans to continue improving service stability, content quality, and overall convenience.
In addition, GGU has revealed a new Germany-themed map as one of the game's key upcoming contents. The map is scheduled to be introduced at official launch, and after the release of its concept images, it has been drawing attention from users across official communities and social media channels. Gravity Game Unite is currently sharing the map's development progress step by step through its official social media and community channels.
At official launch, Ragnarok Zero: Global is also scheduled to introduce a unified server environment for Southeast Asia, Europe, and Oceania, making it the first PC-based Ragnarok IP title to offer such a global service structure. User-generated content, which will allow players to create items directly, is also currently in preparation.
Meanwhile, the OBT for Ragnarok Zero: Global will run until May 28 at 7:59 AM Malaysia Time, targeting players in Southeast Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Players can participate by signing up on the official website and downloading the PC client.
Pre-registration is also ongoing until the official launch, and pre-registered users will receive special in-game rewards after launch. More details can be found on the pre-registration page: https://roz.mygnjoy.com/en/event/prereservation?media=pr3
Stay Connected
Players can follow the official Ragnarok Zero: Global channels for the latest news and updates.
Join OBT: https://roz.mygnjoy.com/en/event/obt
Pre-Register:https://roz.mygnjoy.com/event/prereservation?media=pr3
Discord: https://discord.gg/bFg77WjcHT
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ragnarokzeroglobal/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ragnarokzeroglobal/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@RagnarokZeroGlobal
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ragnarokzeroglobal
About Gravity Game Unite SDN. BHD.
Gravity Game Unite SDN. BHD. (GGU) is a global publishing and service subsidiary of Gravity Co., Ltd., headquartered in Malaysia. The company focuses on delivering Ragnarok titles and operating global game services for players worldwide through publishing, operations, and community engagement.
About Gravity Co., Ltd.
Founded in April 2000 and listed on the Nasdaq Global Market (GRVY), Gravity Co., Ltd. is a global game company headquartered in Korea. Best known for its flagship MMORPG Ragnarok Online, Gravity continues to expand its portfolio with online and mobile games enjoyed by millions of players worldwide.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Gravity Game Unite (GGU), the Malaysia subsidiary of global game company Gravity, has officially launched the Open Beta Test (OBT) for its PC MMORPG Ragnarok Zero: Global, revealing key game features and event benefits to help players enjoy the game to the fullest.
Ragnarok Zero: Global preserves the classic charm of Ragnarok Online by recreating its world view, 2D pixel art graphics, BGM, and core content, while also introducing new stories that expand the world of Midgard.
A Modern Interpretation of Classic RO Charm with a Fresh Twist
Ragnarok Zero: Global delivers a polished first impression by modernizing the iconic visual assets of the Ragnarok IP, including its icons, launcher, and dedicated skins.
The game also offers intuitive UI that allows players to easily understand key features without additional learning, support for seven languages, and convenient features such as auto-hunt.
During this OBT, players can choose from various job classes based on the six original Ragnarok Online class lines: Swordsman, Mage, Merchant, Acolyte, Thief, and Archer, and play up to Level 50.
The game has been designed to provide a different kind of fun from the original by adjusting character progression and the overall gameplay flow. Players can hunt monsters more conveniently using the auto-hunt feature, while simplified travel routes help reduce fatigue when moving between regions. In addition, the expanded camera view enhances immersion by offering a wider and more open field of vision.
Special OBT Benefits Including Limited Titles and Exclusive Costume Items
Players can enjoy the OBT even more through various commemorative events prepared by Gravity Game Unite.
First, players who check in through the OBT page can receive 20,000 Free Kafra Points once per day. Special rewards will also be provided after the official launch based on the level achieved during the OBT period. In addition, Other events include the Bug Reporting Event and Player Survey Event, where players can share their feedback directly with the development team. Adventurers who participate in the event will also receive additional in-game rewards upon official launch.
Players who complete events through NPCs located in major cities can obtain the Top Adventurer Reward Box and the limited title "Pioneer." The GM Boss Summon Event also allows players to experience the fun of cooperative battles.
Players who take screenshots in their favorite in-game locations, upload them to their social media, and verify their participation will also receive in-game items. Other events include a Bug Report Event, while users who purchase a subscription plan of six months or longer during the OBT period will receive an exclusive limited-edition costume item.
Global User Participation in the OBT Fuels Growing Excitement for New Map
Through the OBT, Gravity Game Unite is working together with players from Southeast Asia, Europe, and Oceania to further improve the game's overall quality. Since the start of the OBT, many global users from each region have been actively participating in the game, while official communities and social media channels have seen lively activity, including event participation and screenshot sharing.
Based on user feedback and gameplay data collected during the OBT, Gravity Game Unite plans to continue improving service stability, content quality, and overall convenience.
In addition, GGU has revealed a new Germany-themed map as one of the game's key upcoming contents. The map is scheduled to be introduced at official launch, and after the release of its concept images, it has been drawing attention from users across official communities and social media channels. Gravity Game Unite is currently sharing the map's development progress step by step through its official social media and community channels.
At official launch, Ragnarok Zero: Global is also scheduled to introduce a unified server environment for Southeast Asia, Europe, and Oceania, making it the first PC-based Ragnarok IP title to offer such a global service structure. User-generated content, which will allow players to create items directly, is also currently in preparation.
Meanwhile, the OBT for Ragnarok Zero: Global will run until May 28 at 7:59 AM Malaysia Time, targeting players in Southeast Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Players can participate by signing up on the official website and downloading the PC client.
Pre-registration is also ongoing until the official launch, and pre-registered users will receive special in-game rewards after launch. More details can be found on the pre-registration page: https://roz.mygnjoy.com/en/event/prereservation?media=pr3
Stay Connected
Players can follow the official Ragnarok Zero: Global channels for the latest news and updates.
Join OBT: https://roz.mygnjoy.com/en/event/obt
Pre-Register:https://roz.mygnjoy.com/event/prereservation?media=pr3
Discord: https://discord.gg/bFg77WjcHT
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ragnarokzeroglobal/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ragnarokzeroglobal/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@RagnarokZeroGlobal
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ragnarokzeroglobal
About Gravity Game Unite SDN. BHD.
Gravity Game Unite SDN. BHD. (GGU) is a global publishing and service subsidiary of Gravity Co., Ltd., headquartered in Malaysia. The company focuses on delivering Ragnarok titles and operating global game services for players worldwide through publishing, operations, and community engagement.
About Gravity Co., Ltd.
Founded in April 2000 and listed on the Nasdaq Global Market (GRVY), Gravity Co., Ltd. is a global game company headquartered in Korea. Best known for its flagship MMORPG Ragnarok Online, Gravity continues to expand its portfolio with online and mobile games enjoyed by millions of players worldwide.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Gravity Game Unite's Ragnarok Zero: Global OBT Is Now Live, with Global User Participation Heating Up!
