...that in the time you have been
visiting our website,
people have been diagnosed with
leprosy? Make a difference now.
Cure One Person
Be Part of the Cure: Mark the Canonisation of Father Damien and Help Cure One Person Within a Year
On 11 October 2009, Father Damien of Molokai, Hawaii was raised to sainthood in a ceremony in Rome.
Back in 1866, the first of many groups of leprosy patients in Hawaii was forcibly shipped out to the small, remote island peninsula of Molokai, and left to die. Father Damien was outraged. In response, he dedicated his life to restoring a sense of worth and dignity in people affected by leprosy - and he remains an inspiration to The Leprosy Mission to this day.
During Father Damien's time on Molokai, 2300 people died, including Father Damien himself. But leprosy is not fatal. It was the isolation, poor nutrition and squalid conditions that killed them - an abject poverty which still claims the lives of those affected by leprosy in the 21st century.
Cure One Person of Leprosy in Bangladesh in Five Life Changing Stages
Each petal of the Cure One flower represents how The Leprosy Mission supports people through each life-changing stage of the cure.
The Leprosy and Stigma Reduction Project in Bangladesh is relying
on New Zealanders to help fund the cure for at least 770 men, women
and children each year. The total cost to cure one person,
including helping each one to support and rebuild their life, is
just $432.
Will you help Cure One with a monthly gift of just $36? In return, you will receive regular updates on how your gift is helping to transform the lives of people like Nalani and Saira.
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Problem: THE HIDDEN DISEASE In Shame and fear, people like Nalini try to hide their leprosy from others. Solution: HEALTH AWARENESS Staff organise street plays, slide shows and visits to businesses, schools and groups |
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Problem: LACK OF MEDICAL CARE Where treatment is not available, the leprosy bacteria causes long-term disabilities Solution: DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS People affected by leprosy are supported in Leprosy Clinics and Hospitals for the duration of their treatment, which can be up to 12 months |
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Problem: DISABILITY AND BLINDNESS For many people living on the edge of society, leprosy is detected and treated too late Solution: RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY The use of hands and feet can be restored and cataracts removed to prevent blindness.
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Problem: LIFELONG STIGMA For generations people have feared leprosy and its consequences, even where people have been cured. Solution: COMMUNITY SUPPORT The stigma is overcome through education, advocacy, and the example of those affected.
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Problem: EXTREAME POVERTY People affected by leprosy are some of the poorest and most vulnerable to disease. Solution: WE TAKE ACTION Through projects like the Leprosy and Stigma Reduction Project, The Leprosy Mission works to eradicate the causes and consequences of leprosy
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Download pdf Automatic Payment Form to become a Cure One partner or Make a single gift to help.
More about the Leprosy and Stigma Reduction Project
