The Board of The Leprosy Mission New Zealand Incorporated has appointed Brent Morgan, Director of International Programmes at World Vision New Zealand, as the new Executive Director for The Leprosy Mission New Zealand, effective from 1 July 2009 following the retirement on 30 June 2009 of David Hall, after more than 16 years in the position.

Brent Morgan is a resident of Whangaparaoa, Auckland and is married to Tracy. They have three teenage children. Brent brings to The Leprosy Mission New Zealand a background in the public healthcare sector and in the pharmaceutical industry. He has worked in the private sector in India and with an Indian NGO. He has a strong marketing and general management background as well as the experience gained from his involvement with World Vision programmes.

Since David Hall joined the organisation in 1993 he has seen many changes. Following the introduction in 1982 of a multi-drug therapy that could effectively treat leprosy, The Leprosy Mission focused on ensuring that the maximum number of people with the disease could benefit from the treatment. As time passed and the number of people diagnosed with leprosy failed to reduce despite the availability of such an effective treatment, it became apparent that stigma, lack of human rights and other social issues had to be addressed if the world was to be freed from this disease.

As his retirement approaches, David says that the times he has been able to walk with people affected by leprosy, sharing some of their pain and frustration - and their joy - have been a rare privilege.

For more information view the press release

Pictured above: Chair of the ENAPAL Board Mr Leulseged Berhane and Vice Chair Mrs Birke Ngatu with David Hall in Ethiopia December 2008