Leprosy should be a thing of the past. Yet every year, thousands of the children are diagnosed with the disease. Many more are ‘hidden’, without the vital care and compassion they need.

In Nepal, a young boy was told he was cursed by a snake god. In Nigeria, a toddler had part of his ear sliced off to atone for his mother being accused of witchcraft. In India, a girl was set alight and chased from her community by men carrying knives. Their alleged crime? Each of these children had leprosy — a disease that is easily cured with antibiotics.

COP30 begins in Brazil today, bringing world leaders together to face the climate crisis. While Donald Trump isn’t in attendance, it’s heartening to see so many others, including Keir Starmer and Prince William, show their commitment to tackling such a pressing challenge.