The Leprosy Mission began work in India in 1874 and more than 50 percent of our resources are currently channelled there. Around 70 percent of the worldwide annual numbers of people diagnosed with leprosy live in India.

We work closely with our partner, The Leprosy Mission Trust India. TLM India not only operates sixteen hospitals at one time, but they also have an extensive programme of community-based projects.  In recent years TLM India has moved toward a more holistic approach to working with people affected by leprosy. This includes integrating health care into the government health system, education and awareness, rehabilitation, self help groups and vocational training.  Partnerships with local TLM India centres ensure that the projects The Leprosy Mission New Zealand supports are relevant to each specific area and community need.

1. Muzaffarpur Centre, Bihar
2. Women's Empowerment Project
3. Faizabad

1.  Muzaffarpur Centre, Bihar

Bihar is one of the poorest states in India. Its 94,163 square kilometres are divided into 37 districts, of which Muzaffarpur is one. Every year some 7,000 to 10,000 people are diagnosed with leprosy and registered by the local health system.

In Bihar alone an estimated 40,000 persons affected by leprosy also have disabilities and need access to specialist services to help prevent further deterioration. 

Only four hospitals in this state provide leprosy services and the TLM Muzaffarpur Centre is one of them. This specialist referral centre for reconstructive surgery also provides a range of other health services to the local community, all of which help community integration and the lessening of stigma.

The Leprosy Mission Muzaffarpur hospital has a holistic approach to leprosy. In 2001 the services were integrated with the public health care system in the area and MDT was offered through this system. But the general health system lacks hospital facilities for leprosy. When people experiencing the consequences of leprosy need hospital facilities they have to go to hospitals run by NGOs. TLM Muzaffarpur provides hospital services for leprosy sufferers in neighbouring districts. These services include diagnosis, treatment, after-treatment care, septic surgery, neuritis and reconstructive surgery. The hospital's outpatients department is open six days a week. Other facilities include:

• Pharmacy
• Laboratory
• Physiotherapy dept
• Operating Theatre
• Male and female wards with a total of 60 beds each

The hospital has a staff of three medical doctors, eight nurses and four ward aids who provide 24-hour nursing care. An ophthalmology department, planned to open in 2009, will deal with the eye problems of people affected by leprosy and provide eye care for the local community. The Leprosy Mission New Zealand partnership with TLM Muzaffarpur began in 1997.

The India Muzaffarpur SEED Project Report section of this website has more specific information about this project.

Funding assisted by:

 SEED Partners

General Donations   

To Make a donation towards The Leprosy Mission Work in India: Donate Now     

2.  Women's Empowerment Project

This project seeks to empower disadvantaged women (and their female caregivers) who have been disabled by leprosy, other disabled women, and women living in poverty or who are solo mothers.

These most vulnerable members of the community are encouraged to come together in solidarity through the aegis of Self Help Groups (SHGs). The project staff form an SHG in response to a community request, and within its structure it can address issues of vulnerability, inclusion and sustenance. 

This project facilitates individual and collective economic independence through relevant skill building, micro enterprise and micro finance.
The project is due to finish in mid 2009.  It was evaluated in early 2009 and the recommendations and conclusions will be used to guide the development of further work in the district.

The India Muzaffarpur SEED Project Report section of this website has more specific information about this project.

Funding assisted by:

  SEED Partners         
  NZAid KOHA programme    

To Make a donation towards The Leprosy Mission Work in India: Donate Now     

3.  Faizabad

Faizabad is situated in Uttar Pradesh, almost equidistant (about 150 km) from Lucknow and Allahabad . The climate is extreme, with cold winters and very hot, humid summers. The rainfall is moderate but with the  Ganga, Jamuna and Sharayu rivers flowing through the region, groundwater levels are adequate.
Faizabad District is a crowded region with a population of 2.2 million people. Each family has an average of five to six children. The main occupation of the people is farming, with an average daily income of Rs 60. The adult literacy rate is about 51 percent  and life expectancy is about 60 years.
The status of women in the society is low, with Pardah and Burkha systems prevailing. Girls study till primary or secondary school and then are married off. Very few pursue education beyond that, and most labour on farms.

Education for Life

The Leprosy Mission has been working in this area of India for more than 30 years. Although much has been achieved, Faizabad remains steeped in poverty.

Education for Life and the vocational training centres provide hope to those who have little else to look forward to. By acquiring a practical skill, the poor and the marginalised can work, start their own businesses, and plan for a future. The stigma of leprosy too often means family members are also discriminated against. So gaining a skill can help break the cycle.

In Faizabad a vocational training centre offers training in many trades including carpentry, metal working, motor and bicycle mechanics, tailoring and dress making.  Recently-introduced courses in computer and secretarial studies have proven popular and successful. This centre remains fully funded by loyal New Zealand supporters, whom we thank.

The India Faizabad SEED Project Report section of this website has more specific information about this project.

Funding assisted by  

   SEED Partners             

To Make a donation towards The Leprosy Mission Work in India: Donate Now