IDEA's Banner of Honor, held by representatives from Mozambique, Ethiopia, India, Philippines, South Africa, Nigeria, China, Ghana, Angola, Brazil, Nepal, Hawaii, and Norway, at the cemetery on Robben Island in South Africa, for people diagnosed with leprosy, forcibly sent to the island prior to a cure. The banner is composed of panels from various countries, honoring individuals who have experienced leprosy who have inspired us.

​Introduction
IDEA, The International Association for Integration, Dignity and Economic Advancement, promotes the equal participation, human rights and dignity of persons around the world who have experienced a neglected tropical disease.  Through local and global forums, individuals share ideas and experiences, identify challenges, and advocate for change--all of which guide IDEA's vision.
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IDEA defines its four areas of expertise as: advocacy, empowerment, leadership, and heritage and education. Programs vary from country to country, depending on the locally identified needs and expertise of leaders within a country.  IDEA is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.  

Vision
​A world where the inherent dignity of all human beings is respected.

​Mission
We create a network across the world, of persons who have experienced a neglected tropical disease and their family members, to empower each other, to ensure human rights and to promote inclusion.

Values
IDEA’s values are: inclusion, respect, dignity, dialogue, and justice.