What causes leprosy?
What causes leprosy?
Leprosy (Hansen's Disease) is caused by a bacillus (germ) called Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae). It mainly affects the skin, nerves, and eyes
Leprosy is not a highly contagious disease; it has a long incubation period (the period between infection and seeing symptoms). For leprosy, this is five years on average, but can be anything between one year and 20 years. During the incubation period, an infected person does not have any visible signs or symptoms but may already be infectious.
Anyone can be diagnosed with leprosy, but 90-95 percent of people never develop leprosy, however much they are exposed to M. leprae.
The Leprosy Mission is working to defeat leprosy around the world
The Leprosy Mission is an international Christian organisation which helps people affected by leprosy. Founded in 1874, The Leprosy Mission is the oldest and largest leprosy-focused organisation in the world today.
Our expertise is in the detection, treatment, care and rehabilitation of people and communities affected by leprosy.
The Leprosy Mission works in cooperation with governments, local communities, partner and local health organisations, the World Health Organisation (WHO), local Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), local churches, Christian partners and many others to see leprosy defeated and lives transformed.
Every half hour another child is diagnosed with leprosy.
Children affected by leprosy face discrimination and exclusion from an early age. The World Health Organisation 2021-2030 is calling for Zero Leprosy Road Maps in all endemic countries to reduce transmission, detect and treat cases early, and avert permanent disability, especially among children.
There is something so horribly shocking about a child with leprosy. Yahrah was only 4 years old when her mum first noticed a patch on her skin.
“My mum thought it was a mild skin infection at first and treated me with local herbs. As the years went by the patches increased, and I felt no sensation in them,” Yahrah said.
Leprosy is cruel and heartless. It takes no account of the age of its victim, and it attacks even the youngest, most innocent child. Without treatment, her condition will worsen… and Yahrah could face permanent disability. Without your help, she could face the danger of having her childhood stolen from her by leprosy.
The sad thing is the disease is only mildly contagious and curable… but Yahrah lives in conditions that encourage the spread of leprosy.
It is so desperately unfair and unjust! But your love and kindness can transform the lives of children like Yahrah from Nigeria. You can help them to gain access to medicine, treatment and education.
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.