Leprosy is one of the oldest diseases known to man which causes severe disfiguring skin sores and nerve damage in the arms, legs and skin areas around the body. The patients can develop immune mediated inflammation of their nerves which results in nerve damage to their hands and feet. This puts them at risk of developing deformities. About 40% of leprosy patients will need a course of steroids to treat these immune mediated reactions

Despite India being declared "leprosy-free" in 2005, the country still accounts for over half (almost 60 per cent) of the world's new leprosy patients. 

A report by the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) shows that in 2019 Bihar, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jharkhand contributed 76% of the new leprosy cases.

In 2017, the government announced to completely eradicate it in India by 2018. That deadline may have passed, but here are some of the organizations tirelessly working alongside the government to make a leprosy-free India a reality.

Sasakawa 

A Delhi-based NGO, Sasakawa - India Leprosy Foundation works towards providing employment opportunities to people affected by it and their families. Its main focus is on people living in segregated colonies.

During 2015-16, its livelihood programme empowered 2,044 families, across 18 states in India, in trades such as goat and cow rearing, coir rope making, cutlery making, etc. When it comes to education, it is active across 11 states and provides nursing scholarships, skill development, and higher professional education. 

It has provided scholarships to over 14 students and is focused on eight states at present. It trained 225 youths in vocational skills, and supported 15 different vocational courses.

The Leprosy Mission Trust India

Founded way back in 1874, and now recognised by the Government of India as a tertiary referral center, this Delhi-based organization goes beyond providing sustainable living and employment to the affected people, by studying the disease itself. 

The organization’s Stanley Browne Laboratory conducts basic science research and has been training graduates and postgraduates students in biomedical/life sciences.

Apart from conducting research and creating awareness, the organization has implemented its healthcare programmes in 10 states across India through 14 hospitals and two clinics. Every year, around 80,000 consultations are provided to non-leprosy and general medical conditions at a nominal fee (to sustain the hospitals). 

Kushtarog Niwaran Samiti

Mumbai-based Kushtarog Niwaran Samiti works with the central government programme of Survey, Education & Treatment (SET), carried out in 185 villages with a population of two lakh. In the past 35 years, since 1980, the NGO has carried out door-to-door surveys and medical examinations in schools and factories.

Now, its paramedical workers provide treatment to patients through nine main centres and 36 clinics. It has detected 10,000 cases and cured 9,900 patients so far. In addition to treatment, it also carries out mass health education campaigns, slide shows, and group talks.

Damien Foundation India Trust 

Damien Foundation India Trust (DFIT), a Chennai-based NGO, has been working to address leprosy and tuberculosis since 1955 through indigenous projects, partnership projects, disability prevention, socio-economic rehabilitation, and research.

In 2017, as per its annual report, 183 patients were diagnosed across India through its project locations. Livelihood support was provided to 110 people with low incomes, ones affected by leprosy and TB, and 4,968 people affected by disabilities related to it. Every year each DFIT hospital performs around 35-40 surgeries.