Stories from the mission

Through ditches, bushes, hills, valleys, rivers and ravines, our Congolese staff are on their way to carry out the leprosy screening programme we support.

Ramavati is a member of one of our Indian self-help groups. At the group's meetings, our staff teach them how to advocate for themselves.

In our village and in the area, there was a very strong antipathy towards leprosy patients. The Leprosy Mission staff changed this with regular help.

Our Sri Lankan staff visited his village to screen for leprosy infections. Unfortunately, Fasmina also showed symptoms.

Thresia's mother died when she was very young. She was diagnosed with the disease when she was eight years old.

"None of my friends knew I had leprosy. If a girl gets it, she can never get married."
Bora Alphonsine is 31 years old and she is serious about herself.

The story of Anil's recovery. Twelve-year-old Anil, from Kristokulam, India, had a very tough childhood. He now lives with his grandparents and studies at a nearby school.

Gillian, the Director of the New Zealand Leprosy Society, met Maya six years ago at the Rose House, the rehabilitation unit of Anandaban Hospital.

"Walk a mile in my shoes and you'll understand what it means to be a leper!" I am Taranath from Nepal. I grew up not far from Kathmandu.

Agostino was diagnosed with leprosy in his youth and almost went blind as a result. He is now cured and even has a job! He tends his vegetables and brings them to market.

We dream of a world without leprosy, where no one is diagnosed with leprosy anymore.

In 2021, screening will be the focus of our projects in Congo and India. Screening is the "gateway" to detection and cure.

The story of Zawadi. While war devastated the surrounding countries, Congo's beautiful island of Idjwe was spared from the war.

His sense of humour is a source of joy to everyone he meets. He brings life and hope to his village of Namatu, where he has lived with his family for 70 years as a respected farmer.

The spouses love each other dearly, even though they have both been through difficult years. They are able to live in their own home thanks to doctors and supporters.

At our first appointment, at the Purpulia hospital in West Bengal, Amal was waiting for her prosthesis to be adjusted to ensure a good fit.

Without exception, the Lepramissiion institutions pay great attention to young and old people with disabilities and their families.

"You saved us from starvation! You gave us water! We are very grateful to you!" - says Prasanti to the supporters.

Alina, 13, found out she had leprosy three years ago. She had to wait a year for treatment. She wants to get better and feels she will.

The Patana story. The story of the 65-year-old Patana in Northern Thailand is typical of the overall assistance provided by the Lepramism Union.

Phyo Vai Soe, 30, from Myanmar, was diagnosed with leprosy 11 years ago at the age of 19 at the Mawlamyine Christian Leprosy Hospital. Thank you so much for your help!

Our staff are constantly engaged in life-saving - healing - testing activities around the world.

"Two weeks ago I thought I was going to die. I felt a sharp pain in my jaw and I couldn't speak."

"I was diagnosed with leprosy eight years ago. I became suspicious when spots appeared on my skin and my hands became weak."

He was diagnosed with leprosy 14 months ago. Since then, he has completed 12 months of combined medication. She is now waiting for surgery.

Issa grew up in Danja in the Republic of Niger. When he was 10 years old, he noticed spots on his arms and his fingers started to curl. That's when he was diagnosed with the disease.

Abisha is from Jaffna in the north of Sri Lanka. His father divorced his mother when he was found to have leprosy.

In a deplorable condition, 14-year-old Arti was admitted to the leprosy mission hospital in Nain, Uttar Pradesh, northern India, where she was treated.