Alleviating the Burden of Skin Diseases to Build Hope, Health, and Inclusion
| Location: | Jamui District, Bihar State, India |
| Timeline: | July 2021 – June 2027 |
| Partners: | Effect Hope, Lepra Society India, Lepra UK, Government of Bihar |
| Reach: | 5,000 direct beneficiaries; 1.8 million people indirectly impacted |
Challenge
In Bihar, millions live with the constant threat of painful, visible, and socially isolating skin diseases. Six neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)—leprosy, lymphatic filariasis (LF), post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), scabies, and fungal infections—leave visible marks, leading to discrimination, delayed care, and often permanent disability.
Despite how common these conditions are, only three have formal treatment programs in India—and none are tackled in an integrated way. People often suffer in silence, and stigma can be as damaging as the disease.
Solution: The ASPIRE Model
ASPIRE is the first project in India to address all six skin-NTDs together, delivering compassionate, community-centered care —from early detection and treatment to sustained long-term support.
We’re Doing this Through:
- Stronger coordination between health and non-health sectors to build a lasting safety net
- Community awareness campaigns to fight stigma and recognize symptoms early
- Door-to-door case finding to reach people before complications develop
- Mental health and self-care support groups to restore confidence and reduce isolation
- Training frontline health workers to recognize and treat skin NTDs quickly and effectively
- Morbidity and disability care units for advanced cases needing extra support
The Impact We’re Creating
- Early diagnosis and complete treatment for thousands
- Restored dignity and inclusion for people once shunned by society
- A stronger, sustainable health system ready to carry this work forward
- Reduced disease transmission through prevention and education
Explore how the ASPIRE project is transforming health in Bihar, India by integrating
care for neglected tropical skin diseases, empowering communities, and strengthening
local health systems.
Read the technical brief »
