India

India is home to the largest number of leprosy cases on the planet, accounting for 58% of new cases diagnosed globally in 2024. 4,722 of these cases in 2024 were children. As leprosy develops slowly over many years, these child cases indicate that the disease is still spreading in communities today.

 

The Leprosy Mission has been present in India for over 150 years. Your support helps fund healthcare, livelihoods support and advocacy work throughout the country.

 

Healthcare: Many people in India cannot access healthcare and leprosy services are few and far between. Your support directly contributes to the running of Purulia Hospital, a TLM Hospital located in India’s West Bengal State. Purulia Hospital provides access to leprosy care services as well as general hospital services including dermatology, ophthalmology, and dental services.

Furthermore, “health camps” bring leprosy and healthcare services directly to communities.

 

Sustainable Livelihoods: Over 1 in 5 people in India live in poverty, placing them at a higher risk of contracting leprosy. With this in mind, we support community projects to help people and communities affected by leprosy to lift themselves out of poverty and build more economic and health resilient lives.

Additionally, your support directly contributes to the running of a Vocational Training Centre in Vizianagaram, where students, many of whom are affected by leprosy, can learn skills and gain employment. Courses range from electrician and mechanical training to seamstress and tailoring training. With this training, students are empowered to pursue a career in their chosen area – for example, one former student has gone on to become a manager at a major car dealership in India.

 

Advocacy: We work with people affected by leprosy to empower them to stand up for their rights at community and national level. Other advocacy efforts also focus on the rights of children and the support, care and rehabilitation of children with other vulnerabilities including child marriage, child labour, and orphaned children.

 

With thanks to your support, key achievements last year in India included:

• 946 leprosy related admissions were made to Purulia Hospital, including 362 related to ulcers, and 213 related to strong reactions to medication
• 4,486 patients accessed healthcare services through community outreach efforts
• 52 students enrolled for Vocational Training courses
• 246 children affected by leprosy were identified for educational support to ensure leprosy did not affect their access to education