What We Do

For about 130 years now, we have been delivering on the same promise: to support people and communities affected by neglected tropical diseases like leprosy to find hope, healing, and restoration.

With our partners and the people we serve, we create strategic programs that positively impact the lives of people in need. We ensure that all people affected by neglected tropical diseases have access to health care and community support for better mental, physical, and social well-being.

Why We Do It

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We See The Unseen

Globally, 1.7 billion people (that’s 1 in 5 people) are affected by neglected tropical diseases. And they’re called “neglected” for a reason. They are the world’s most underserved people and communities.

 

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We Fight Injustice

Neglected tropical diseases not only cause illness and disability, but they destroy livelihoods and tear families apart. These diseases seed discrimination and isolation. Neglected tropical diseases trap people in a cycle of poverty.

 

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We Are Called

We cannot stand by and let people suffer needlessly from treatable and preventable diseases. We believe that God calls us to intervene in this broken world as agents of restoration and hope. We work with our committed supporters here in Canada and our partners in the countries where we serve to be champions of hope.

 

How We Do It

Health services for neglected tropical diseases are not available everywhere. We work to make sure that those affected by neglected tropical diseases receive people-centered, appropriate, inclusive, and holistic health services, no matter how remote or isolated they are. This includes mental, social, and disability care.

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Early Case Detection

Early detection is one of the best approaches to reducing the burden of neglected tropical diseases. We work with communities affected by these diseases to prevent, detect, and seek treatment for these diseases.

 

Education and Advocacy

Neglected tropical diseases most impact people living in poverty, on the margins of society. With your help, prejudices that lead to discrimination and  isolation can be erased. Empowered people and communities can advocate for the services they need.

 

Person-Centered Health Services

Engaging governments, both at local and national levels, is critical for implementing changes that are proven to work. When a health system is strong, no one is left behind. We make sure that people affected by neglected tropical diseases are at the centre of this work.

 

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Evidence-Driven Solutions

We seek out the best solutions and innovations that make the biggest difference for people and communities affected by these diseases. Whether it’s a new technology, medical discoveries, or just better ways to deliver care, we continue to adapt and innovate to meet the needs of the community.

 

Programs You Support

Hospital and Community Support

Nearly 60 per cent of all new cases of leprosy in the world are found in India. Northern states, such as Uttar Pradesh, tend to have the greatest number of cases due to population density. That’s why Effect Hope partners to provide hospital and community care in this region at The Leprosy Mission Naini Hospital. 

Working Toward a Leprosy-Free Bangladesh

Too many people are living with the devastating consequences of leprosy because they cannot access health care. In the Proyash Program, we work with our partners and the Government of Bangladesh, we are on a mission to see zero leprosy transmission, zero disability and zero social consequences due to leprosy through stronger, inclusive health systems.

COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts

The pandemic in India is having a deadly impact. The health system is overwhelmed. one of our partner hospitals, experienced a 90 per cent positivity rate for COVID-19 among the staff. The situation is grim for the people affected by leprosy and lymphatic filariasis.  Working with Lepra India and Lepra UK, we are helping to ensure that vulnerable people can access the COVID-19 vaccine in Bihar, India. Will you provide a life-saving vaccine today?

Integrating care for Neglected Tropical Diseases into the Health System

You can contribute to a resilient health system that provides accessible, affordable, and skilled detection, treatment and management of neglected tropical diseases in Liberia. In the Integrated Case Management NTD Project, together, with partners and government, we are working to make sure that health providers and systems are equipped to support people with neglected tropical diseases. 

Ensuring that Every Child Thrives

A parasitic worm infection can threaten a child’s physical and cognitive development, stealing the possibility of a strong future. Through the Every Child Thrives program in Kenya, we work with the Government to build a system that can provide deworming treatment and vitamin A supplements to children under the age of 5 to treat and prevent parasitic worm infections. This program has reached over 7 million children.

This program is funded by the Global Affairs Canada.

Mental Health and Neglected Tropical Diseases

In some areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, there is limited awareness about leprosy and lymphatic filariasis. This means that many cases are found too late, leaving affected individuals with disabilities.

Misconceptions about the neglected tropical diseases can cause extreme discrimination. This has a serious impact on the mental health of those affected. You can help support mental health care for people affected by neglected tropical diseases.

Learn More About Our Current Programs