2022
Annual Report
We are pleased to present our Annual Report for 2022.
Along with our partners, Effect Hope has celebrated many achievements. Although we faced challenges, we continued to move forward. This was only possible with your support and generosity.
We invite you to read and see how your support is making a positive global impact on hundreds of thousands of people around the world. Thanks again for supporting people as they overcome the effects of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) like leprosy. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Our Areas Of Focus In 2022
6,398 Pairs of customized protective footwear provided to restore mobility.
445,608 People screened for NTDs to find cases early to prevent disabilities.
2,753 People diagnosed with NTDs during screening programs, so they can get treatments more quickly.
38,499 People in the general public who learned about the signs and symptoms of NTDs so they can know when to seek help.
683 Awareness programs to
reduce stigma and discrimination among people affected by NTDs.
43,819 School children who gained awareness about leprosy so they can speak up when they need help.
221 School awareness programs, so young people can spread the word about signs, symptoms, and treatments for NTDs.
2,794 People trained on self-care for leprosy and other NTD so they can improve the healing process and avoid further complications.
5,011 Healthcare workers trained to recognize signs and symptoms of NTDs and treat patients as soon as possible.
Alleviating Poverty in Bangladesh
People living with disabilities and deformity in Bangladesh face workplace discrimination and often can’t find work. This results in a life of extreme poverty for their entire family. The Northwest Bangladesh Ultra Poverty Initiative Project (NUPIP) helps people overcome ultra-poverty by providing job skills training, support for small businesses, and education assistance.
• Skills training to earn a better income
• Small grants to start a micro-business
• Supplies and uniforms so children can go to school
• Training sessions for skin-related self-care and healthy habits
• Devices such as shoes, crutches, etc. to restore mobility
“Because of the NUPIP program, our family situation has improved”
“Because of the NUPIP program, our family situation has improved”
“Carving A New Future”
When Noyon was a boy, his father struggled with leprosy and could not support the family or afford to send him to school. Noyon had to drop out of school and find odd jobs to support his parents and 3 siblings.
One of our partner community leaders told him about disease management and where to get job skills training for a better future. Noyon enrolled in the NUPIP program to learn carpentry and was also provided with money to start a small business.
Today, Noyon is a skilled carpenter who earns a good income. His business is thriving. He has hired two assistants, purchased land and has enough money to put into savings.
“Because of the NUPIP program, our family situation has improved,” says Noyon, “I am thankful that I have a good way to support us and make our lives better.”
People Like Noyan Need Your Support.
ASPIRE for Active Case Finding in India
We have launched ASPIRE program in Bihar, India.
ASPIRE stands for Alleviating the burden from Skin diseases of affected People to improve Inclusion, Restoration and Empowerment. This program strengthens public health systems and improves coordination across government health sectors.
The focus is on active case finding so that people with leprosy are diagnosed early and receive timely treatment. These actions help to reduce the risk of disease complications and long-term disabilities.
Through door-to-door screening, we identify people with potential cases of leprosy and other NTDs. This helps raise awareness about the symptoms of the disease. Our partners then refer people to a centre to receive treatment, protective footwear, and self-care training to promote healing and proper skincare.
ASPIRE Project team, at the entrance of a referral centre
Peace of Mind – DRC
People living with chronic illnesses face crushing mental health issues. These issues may be triggered by social stigma and poor self-esteem as they feel rejected by their friends, family, and community. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) this is compounded by the trauma of political and social conflict in the country.
To address this challenge, we implemented a program called Peace of Mind. Together with our partners, we educate community leaders about mental health issues and help set up support groups with peer counselors. We aim to improve the mental health of people affected by NTDs, encourage self-advocacy, and increase acceptance among others.
Participants encourage each other at a mental health workshop
Empowering Youth for a Better Future
Youth group poses with a program manager during a CUFA event
With the support of our partners on the ground, there is hope.
Children Unite for Action (CUFA) awards scholarships so students can continue their education. They also offer workshops to enhance their academic skills, play sports, enjoy creative activities, and life skills groups.
With our partners, we work to ensure that children affected by leprosy and other NTDs access their right to survival, protection, participation and personal development.
Education Creates A Better Future
Arti is a teenaged girl from a small village in northern India, living with her parents and two siblings. Her parents struggled to support the family on a very low income. When Arti was 11, she noticed light patches on her skin. At first, her parents brought her to a few local health clinics but she was unable to get effective treatment.
Arti’s uncle had heard about leprosy and encouraged her to go to Naini Leprosy Mission Hospital. There, she was diagnosed with leprosy and received treatment.
A healthcare worker at the hospital told Arti about a program called Children Unite for Action (CUFA). In this program her family could receive support to pay for school fees and supplies so she could continue her education.
Since joining the CUFA program, Arti has also received career guidance, counselling and awareness about children’s rights and women’s rights. She has more self-confidence and is now a role model to other young girls.
Arti is thriving since receiving support to overcome illness and poverty.
You can help support somebody like Arti today.
Introducing: HEAL
Building on the success of the Children Unite for Action program (CUFA), we are excited to continue serving people in India through a new program called Health, Education, Advocacy, and Livelihoods (HEAL).
Beginning in 2023, HEAL will provide support to individuals of all ages who are affected by leprosy, to pursue education and/or maintain sustainable livelihoods. It will also facilitate timely access to quality NTD services, and incorporate mental well-being, gender equity and social inclusion throughout the project. Our partners will promote sustainability by establishing self-help groups and disabled persons’ organizations, while engaging local governments and health systems.
Are You Ready To Make A Difference In 2023?
Millions of men, women, and children around the world continue to be affected by neglected tropical diseases. Only you can give them hope for the future by restoring their physical, and mental health and social wellbeing.
Our vision: A world where people overcome neglected tropical diseases like leprosy — A world full of hope.
Questions? Email us at AnnualReport@effecthope.org
101-20 Valleywood Drive
Markham, ON
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1-888-537-7679
Board Members:
Dr. Ronald Davidson
Mr. Randy Henderson
Mr. Peter Hogg
Mr. John Humphreys
Dr. Alison Krentel
Mr. Winston Miller
Mr. Ron Pike
Mr. Gary Sharpe
Mr. Joe Tabet
Mr. David Weind
Download The Full 2022 Report
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