To ensure the work of The Leprosy Mission is effective in moving communities affected by the disease towards lives free from poverty, we need to respond to the needs of individual communities so that local people can take charge of their own development.

In partnership with members of local communities we help set up and monitor projects that allow the whole community to develop and flourish. When we focus on access to clean water, better sanitation and health education, for example, life improves quickly and the changes are long lasting. This helps to reduce the stigma experienced by many people affected by leprosy and to restore their human rights so they can live a life of dignity.

The Leprosy Mission helps raise the standard of living for whole communities. This not only prevents leprosy (and similar diseases) from spreading, it also encourages social reintegration of those who have been excluded.

To be successful, projects must be sustainable.  It is important for families and communities to be able to consolidate the gains they have made as a result of working together, which is assisted by funding from The Leprosy Mission.  TLMNZ's Strategic Plan clearly shows a sustainable stance in its Vision and Goals. Feel free to view this document to better understand our mandate