Leprosy remains a significant health problem in Nepal – a population where the majority are subsistence farmers, the prevalence rate is 2.4 cases per 10,000 population (WHO 2003), well above the World Health Organisation elimination target.  Poverty, the stigma of leprosy and poor access to healthcare all contribute to the high rate of leprosy.

The Leprosy Mission's work in Nepal

Training
TLM has been working in partnership with the Nepali government since 1957 providing specialist leprosy care at Anandaban Hospital, and training healthcare workers through the Central Region Technical Support Centre. Both projects are based in the Lalitpur district, south of Kathmandu.

Andandaban Hospital
Anandaban serves as a leprosy referral hospital as well as providing general medical care and has a 118 bed inpatient capacity.

Research
The hospital has a dynamic leprosy research facility working at the frontline of leprosy research. Developments include new skin test antigens for improved diagnosis of leprosy and work on a new leprosy vaccine.

The project forms people into self help groups. These achieve several purposes:
Training in leadership, management and business skills
Implementation of savings and loan activities (e.g. milk cow, goats, small shop)
Identification of local resources which can be accessed
In time form cooperatives of groups for sustainability
Ability to work together to overcome their problems and fulfil their needs
Identification of suitable candidates for vocational training

Community Awareness and Advocacy
Conduct awareness campaigns and sensitise local leaders about leprosy and disability in project areas
Advocacy with government
Network with other NGOs, other agencies and government to maximise use of available resources

Education Assistance
Provision of scholarships for children of leprosy affected families
Non formal adult education for self help group members

Improve health and quality of life
Assess rehabilitation needs of members and put in place a treatment plan to prevent further disability
Provision of aids and home adaptations to make life easier
Assess water and sanitation needs of group members and work with partner agencies to provide these
Community health education program on waterborne and sanitation related diseases and prevention strategies
Provide low cost housing grants to repair or build new houses where needed (before and after pictures right). The recipient of this house was previously an alcoholic and was stealing from his neighbours to survive. He has now changed his ways and is much more respected in his community.