World Leprosy Day

is January 31, 2021

On the last Sunday of January, people around the world act to end leprosy and the horrible effects of the disease. This World Leprosy Day, stand with those affected by the disease to let the world know that leprosy still exists.

Every day, more than 600 people are diagnosed with leprosy in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Untreated, leprosy can cause disabilities, disfigurement, blindness, and rejection from family and community. Without cure and care, people live in poverty and destitution on the margins of society.

UPDATE: In 2021, people living with leprosy and it’s consequences are even more vulnerable because of COVID-19. The coronavirus restrictions continue to impact those in care for leprosy and those with leprosy-related disabilities. People with compromised health, and those living in crowded situations are most vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 and are most affected by restrictions.

Give A Monthly Donation

 

For just $45 a month, you can cure and care for one person with leprosy. Your gift ensures diagnosis, cure, ongoing care to manage disabilities, and support to find a welcome home in the community.

Kālu and Tanya

Just a young child, Tania noticed an ugly sore on her toe. Her mother took her to a doctor who diagnosed Tania with leprosy, a neglected tropical disease. In time, her hands and feet became severely deformed because Tania did not have access to care and treatment as a young child. A traditional healer in her community applied bizarre treatments that made her disabilities worse.

Today, Tania has had both feet amputated, and her hands are now just stumps. But she also has the love of a family.

Eventually, Tania was brought to one of our partner hospitals in Bangladesh for appropriate care. It was too late to save her hands and feet, but she did meet her husband Kālu, who was also receiving treatment for leprosy. Now, they have a daughter.

This couple faces unbelievable discrimination, poverty, and disabilities because of neglected tropical diseases. But you can help others like them before it’s too late.

Change the Narrative

This is just one of the many difficult stories we hear. But for only $35 a month, you can provide healing and restoration by providing hand or foot surgery for a person with an NTD-related disability. Help today.