The Leprosy Mission

Back in April we had a church service led by Philippa Matthews who is our representative for the Christian charity, The Leprosy Mission. In 2026, leprosy is still widespread across the world in low-income countries, with someone being diagnosed every 2 minutes. It is curable if caught early, and in Bangladesh, they are researching a new finger prick test that could diagnose leprosy in the very early stages. This would revolutionise treatment, as the earlier leprosy is diagnosed, the better the outcome. This test is still years away from being ready. The aim is it will be fully transportable to remote communities and conflict zones.

Our guest speaker, Isaac, spoke of the Karuna Project (Karuna means compassion) in the slums of Mumbai. An LM ambulance with trained health workers and medical supplies travels around the slums, welcoming and caring for those with leprosy. These people can’t get help anywhere else because of poverty and stigma. They also raise awareness of leprosy so people can recognise the signs and get treatment earlier. This also reduces the fear and discrimination suffered. Wives are often abandoned, children are ostracised, so LM are also working with human rights organisations to change discriminatory laws.

Self-care is taught to prevent infection, and the ambulance visits every fortnight to provide medicine and dressings. This is important because leprosy affects nerve endings and can result in amputations and blindness. LM have set up free tailoring classes to enable sufferers to earn a living. So far, 40 tailoring graduates have become successfully self-employed.

This all has been funded with help from our donations. Please pray for the Leprosy Mission and those affected by leprosy, that they get the help they need.            

Maria B