The first United Nations panel discussion on leprosy and those with unrelated disabilities Wednesday pressed for solidarity with sufferers and their greater inclusion in society.

Those with the disease, which is now curable, have long been ostracized, shunned and marginalized, even from other people who are disabled, said organizers of a side event called Voices of People Affected by Leprosy.

"We have to bridge the gap between the two communities of people affected by leprosy and people otherwise disabled," said Javed Abidi, chairperson of Disabled People's International.