NGO Participation

Our Appeal

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, with multidimensional consequences. A potentially crippling disease, leprosy affects millions even today, trapping them in a web of poverty, disability and social exclusion.

Leprosy is unique in that unlike other diseases, the age-old stigma attached to the disease (due to the myths and misconceptions associated with the disease) creates barriers to early diagnosis and treatment. Among communicable diseases, leprosy is a leading cause of permanent physical disabilities. Leprosy, if not diagnosed and treated early, can cause nerve damage resulting in irreversible loss of sensation in hands, feet, and eyes. This is followed by a loss of muscle function and paralysis affecting hands, feet, and eyes. Injuries sustained in activities of everyday living in limbs and eyes that have lost protective sensation leading to repeated ulceration and disability. This perpetuates stigma and discrimination against those affected and their families. In fact, the person continues to live with the consequences of the disease even after it is cured.

TLMTI through its holistic approach has focused interventions towards healthcare, community development, and livelihood. These interventions are mainly provided through our 15 hospitals, 1 clinic, 7 VTCs, and several community projects in the locations where our hospitals and VTCs are located.

This appeal we are mainly focusing on two elements that we feel need immediate attention:

Ulcer Care Treatment: A disability prevention treatment for people affected by leprosy

People from lower socio-economic backgrounds get complicated ulcers (skin layer, tissue layer, and bone compromised) as they must continue working with their anaesthetized (a result of late diagnosis of leprosy) limbs. Many patients have no choice but to keep working even when they start developing an ulcer to sustain themselves and their dependents. Most come for treatment in our hospitals during the off-work season. We provide completely free ulcer care treatment which includes daily dressing, skin grafting, antibiotics, specialized footwear, psychological counseling and mental well-being, self-care training, and much more.

Few medical institutions in India provide ulcer care to leprosy patients. Ulcers do not just impact the body of the person affected but also lead to economic loss, social stigma, and psychological distress. TLMTI hospitals in West Bengal receive around 500 patients affected by leprosy ulcers every year. More than half fall under the severe ulcer category. The timely interventions prevent the disability from setting in and provide a productive life.

Your contribution will help us provide:

• Medical Treatment: Advanced wound care, including cleaning, debridement, and infection control.
• Nutritional Support: Essential nutrition to promote healing and overall health.
• Custom Orthotics: Pressure-relieving footwear and orthotic devices to prevent and treat ulcers.
• Psychosocial Support: Counseling and support groups to help patients cope with the emotional and social challenges of leprosy.
• Education and Training: Empowering patients with self-care knowledge to manage and prevent future ulcers.

Sponsorship of students at TLM VTC and community-based Vocational Training in Bankura for people affected by leprosy and other disabilities

The Sustainable Livelihoods program was initiated by TLMTI in 1980 and is currently carried out through 7 VTCs in India. The Program recognizes that it is essential for communities to be enabled and to develop self-reliance. Through this program, we work alongside people affected with leprosy to enhance their capabilities to increase economic resilience and improve social well-being. It is a holistic program that identifies and addresses the varied needs of individuals affected with leprosy. It focuses on a combination of activities and choices in the areas of education, health, and inclusion through sustainable livelihoods. At the heart of this program of inclusive sustainable livelihood lies the generation of employment and skills development.

VTCs offer government-recognized (NCVT) certified courses that meet market demands and the specific physical needs of people affected by leprosy (e.g. limited mobility, etc.). Students are also provided with life skills training, career counseling, and self-care training to prevent disability or injury at home or in the workplace. After students complete their training, we facilitate work placements with our corporate partners or support them to move into self-employment to provide long-term financial security for the students and their families.

Your support will be a lifeline and can help to improve the lives of persons affected with leprosy and disabilities.

Contact Details

Dr. Premal Das

• Phone: 1143533300
• Email: mark.moloy@leprosymission.in

Website Details

• Website Link: https://www.leprosymission.in/