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Leprosy can now be cured
The Leprosy Mission is committed to the safeguarding and protection of everyone we work with, including beneficiaries, volunteers, TLM staff and the staff of partner organisations.
For all of history, there was no cure for leprosy. That is what made leprosy healings in the Bible such remarkable miracles. Leprosy was an irreversible life sentence – often a death sentence. Today, though, we have a cure: six months to a year of a specific combination of medications.
Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) has a success rate around 99%
If leprosy is found and cured early permanent disability can be completely avoided
So public awareness programmes are a vital element
That is why we also educate local health workers, doctors, nurses, paramedics, rural medical practitioners, and family planning staff about leprosy - so they can identify cases and refer people for treatment as quickly as possible.
Within 48 hours of treatment beginning a person is no longer infectious
This is very significant because there is no reason a child receiving MDT needs to be kept away from school, or an adult kept from earning their living. This still does happen though, because …
The ancient stigma and fear of leprosy remains its greatest burden
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.
