What is leprosy called today?
In most parts of the world today, leprosy is simply called leprosy. The name leprosy refers to the disease resulting from an infection from the leprosy bacteria — Mycobacterium leprae (M.leprae).
You may also hear the name “Hansen’s disease”. This name refers to Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen, the man who first observed and described the M. leprae bacteria.
Both names refer to the same condition, but in Australia and most other parts of the world, leprosy is the primary name for the disease today.
The Leprosy Mission seeks to bring about transformation; breaking the chains of leprosy, empowering people to attain healing, dignity, and life in all its fullness.
We are targeting a Triple Zero Leprosy strategy — Zero Leprosy Transmission, Zero Leprosy Disability, and Zero Leprosy Discrimination. We are working hard with our international project partners, and international government organisations, to make leprosy transmission a thing of the past by 2035.
Correct diagnosis and treatment are vital. In leprosy-endemic areas of the world, like Indonesia, 1 in 10 cases of leprosy are diagnosed in a child. But there is a cure! With Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) in just 24-48 hours patients are no longer contagious. A 12-month course will completely cure them.
The Leprosy Mission Australia is a member of the Australian Council for International Development and is a signatory to the ACFID Code of Conduct. The Code requires members to meet high standards of corporate governance, public accountability, and financial management. The Leprosy Mission Australia is committed to full adherence to the ACFID Code of Conduct. More information about the ACFID Code of Conduct may be obtained by contacting The Leprosy Mission Australia or visiting the ACFID website. Complaints relating to a breach of the ACFID Code of Conduct can be made to the ACFID Code of Conduct Committee.
We are committed to disability-inclusive development.
The Leprosy Mission Australia is a member of the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand, a network of organisations that support fairness in prices and wages, improved market access and poverty alleviation.