Nearly forty years later he visited New Zealand with his wife Alice in 1912 and inspired local people to begin their own support chapter. The Leprosy Mission New Zealand was formed to raise awareness about leprosy and provide financial support to bring hope and healing to people affected by the disease.

Fingers and toes to claw inwards. In the eyes, it can lead to infections, cataracts and even preventable irreversible blindness. Fingers and toes may claw inwards. In the eyes, leprosy can lead to infections, cataracts, and even preventable irreversible blindness. This often occurs because the disease damages the nerves that control blinking. Without the protective reflex of blinking, ulcers and infections in the hands and feet become common. When the skin loses feeling, people may ignore normal bruises, cuts, and burns, allowing these unprotected wounds to become severely infected, which can lead to disfigurement and amputations.

A common complication is footdrop, as the nerve that controls our walking is destroyed. Without being able to automatically raise our toes as we walk, our feet get bruised and scraped, leading to infections that in turn lead to amputations or even death. That is why one of the most effective aids is a pair of protective sandals.

Better still, is to stop leprosy before it can cause this harm.

Some communities retain deep fear of leprosy and the disabilities it causes, based on ancient myths, superstitions and even discriminatory laws that persist to this day. People in such a community may not believe that MDT can set someone free from leprosy.

As a result, people affected by leprosy are often rejected by families, friends, employers, and communities. Many lose jobs and struggle to find a livelihood. Others lose their homes and children are excluded from school.

Because of this stigma, many people with leprosy are afraid to come forward for treatment. They hide in shame and isolation, until the disease has caused deep damage to their lives.

When people do begin treatment, the death of the bacteria in their bodies can cause an extreme inflammation called Leprosy Reaction, with pain, sickness, swelling and fever. These people require a lengthy hospital stay to complete their treatment. They cannot afford this level of care themselves, so selfless people like you generously support their care.