India

Leprosy in India

LEPRA Health in Action provides leprosy diagnosis, treatment, management of complications and prevention of disabilities. The organisation also concentrates in addressing the social issues caused by this health condition including stigma and discrimination, focusing on the most vulnerable groups such as women and children.

• Preventing disability
• Reconstructive surgery
• Protective footwear
• Educational campaigns
• Eye care
• Socioeconomic rehabilitation

Tuberculosis in India

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most significant health problems in India. Nearly 1.8 million people in India develop TB every year. LEPRA supports the national tuberculosis control programme to develop effective projects to control the disease and reach out to those in need of treatment.

Work includes diagnosis and treatment provision, health education activities and field research.

• Free testing
  Testing is of key importance to ensure the correct medication is given for a quick and effective recovery.
• Treatment provision
• Training for health professionals
• Training community volunteers
  Local volunteers are able to transmit important health information messages to the community quickly and accurately.
• Information and education campaigns
• Socio-economic rehabilitation

HIV/AIDS in India

India has the most HIV cases in the world. Currently there are 2.5 million people living with the virus. LEPRA has responded to the increasing global concern through prevention campaigns, training and counselling activities.

Having seen the devastation and pain HIV/AIDS can cause to families, LEPRA is committed to improving the lives of those affected by it. We are successfully implementing HIV/AIDS prevention, testing and treatment programmes, while stigma and discrimination are two further challenges.

• Information and education campaigns
• Voluntary testing
• Counselling
• Preventing parent to child transmission
• Training of health staff
  In India many HIV-positive people are discriminated against, often being refused treatment in health facilities.

Malaria in India

This disease is responsible for 15%-25% of child mortality in India, making it one of the major causes of death among children. Many areas in India are endemic, transmission is high and local people are constantly being infected.

LEPRA trains communities to implement preventive measures and encourages people to seek prompt treatment to reduce the burden of this disease among the poorest sector of the population. Health promotion messages can go a long way in the fight against malaria.

• Preventive measures
• Net distribution
  Sleeping under insecticide treated bed nets is a good and effective way to prevent mosquito bites and thus malaria.
• Fish cultivation

Lymphatic filariasis in India

Over 120 million people are affected by this disease worldwide and one-third of them live in India. This condition is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito and leads to grotesque swelling of the limbs causing chronic pain, disability and social stigma.

• Preventive treatment distribution
  LEPRA works closely with the local government to organise mass drug distribution campaigns in the most severely affected areas of the country.
• Community mobilisation and self-help groups
• Health education campaigns
• Income generation activities