Colombia
Colombia
Colombia is one of the largest countries in Latin America and also one of the most populous. It is rich in natural resources -- both minerals and oils -- but has been subject to long periods of civil conflict which has hindered the country’s development.
Leprosy in Colombia
LEPRA Health in Action continues to support the grassroots organisation CORSOHANSEN based in the ex-leprosy colony Agua de Dios, Colombia. Prejudice, stigma and discrimination systematically associated with leprosy and the inhabitants of Agua de Dios prevent economic growth and constrain opportunities for its population.
The aim of the organisation is to reduce stigma and discrimination faced by people affected by leprosy. Through their website, regular news bulletins, local and regional radio programmes and local TV CORSOHANSEN is tackling the stigma of leprosy through raising awareness amongst the general public.
Advocacy is planned in the long term. This will involve supporting groups of leprosy affected people to create a more powerful advocacy platform, generating awareness and encouraging people experiencing discrimination to understand and demand their rights.
Before LEPRA met her Shanti was regularly missing school as a result of undiagnosed Tuberculosis
LEPRA Patient - TB
