For over a century, the battle against leprosy, one of 21 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) — has been about far more than the disease itself. The fight against leprosy goes far beyond treating an illness; it’s a fight for dignity, inclusion, and human rights.
At the heart of this global movement stand several organizations, advocacy groups and coalitions united by a common vision to see a world free from the injustice of NTDs.
No single person or organization can do this alone—that’s why global collaboration is so important. Through shared resources, expertise, and innovation, we can break cycles of poverty, stigma, and disease. Together, we are amplifying advocacy, accelerating research, and ensuring that progress isn’t lost.
Today, Effect Hope is a part of several coalitions working to challenge one of the most persistent barriers to leprosy care: stigma.
One of those coalitions is ILEP — the International Federation of Anti‑Leprosy Associations — a global network of 13 independent organizations working together to end leprosy and support those affected.
Effect Hope’s Founding Roots Within ILEP
Effect Hope’s connection to ILEP goes back to the very beginning. In the 1960s and 70s, when we were known as The Leprosy Mission Canada, our organization was one of the founding members of ILEP. At the time, the world was facing a crisis: 15 million people were living with leprosy, and only one in five had access to treatment. Drug resistance was emerging, and global coordination was desperately needed.
ILEP was formed in 1974 to meet that need — and our origins were part of that moment.
But our roots stretch back even further. In 1869, Wellesley Bailey first encountered the devastating effects of leprosy in India. His response was simple and profound: to stand with people who were suffering and treated unjustly. By 1874, The Mission to Lepers (now The Leprosy Mission) was born — a movement grounded in compassion, social justice, and the belief that every person deserves dignity.
Today, we carry that legacy forward as we work to break down barriers to NTD services, ensuring everyone can access the care they need, whenever and wherever they need it.
A Shared Purpose
United by a common vision, the organizations that make up ILEP work closely together to design and implement sustainable programs that reach the most vulnerable communities. These programs go beyond treating the disease—they also care for the emotional, mental, and social well-being of each person affected.
Because while leprosy is curable, stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to accessing care. And its impact often remains long after the disease has been treated.
This is why the partnership between Effect Hope and ILEP matters so deeply. While ending leprosy requires medicine — ending stigma requires a massive movement.
The Importance of Collaboration
Being part of global coalitions like ILEP strengthens every aspect of our work:
- Shared knowledge that leads to more innovative solutions.
- Global advocacy that mobilizes political will.
- Coordinated action that ensures no community is overlooked.
- Collective expertise that accelerates stigma reduction.
Together, we are changing healthcare systems, shifting perceptions, and building a future where people affected by NTDs are treated with dignity, not discrimination.
Join Us in Ending Stigma
Lasting change requires all of us to work together.
Learn more and act today at stillathing.ca. Your voice, awareness, and compassion can help dismantle stigma — one belief, one conversation, one action at a time.
