Learning to recognise the early signs of leprosy is vitally important if people are to avoid the long-term consequences of the disease. The Leprosy Mission runs regular education sessions that explain what the disease is, how it is spread and the importance of early detection.

The first breakthrough in treating leprosy came in the 1940's but it was not until the 1980's that an effective Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) that can cure leprosy became available. The Leprosy Mission works with local health authorities and other agencies to ensure the provision of MDT.

Physiotherapy plays a major role in restoring as much function as possible to leprosy patients. After Surgery, patients must relearn how to use their muscles and build up their strength, or be taught how to manage crutches or artificial limbs. Physio is also used to teach people affected by leprosy how to care for their insensitive hands, feet and eyes in order to prevent disability or the worsening of disability.

Along with Education, screening sessions are an invaluable tool in catching leprosy in its early stages. If Leprosy can be treated within six months of a patient showing signs of the disease then the chances are extremely good that they will suffer no long-term effects.

If not treated early enough, patients with Leprosy can be left with permanent nerve damage particularly to their hands, feet and eyes. Although surgery cannot reverse the nerve damage. In many cases it is able to vastly improve the working function of a leprosy patient's hands or feet and through corrective surgery prevent further damage occurring.