Livelihood Rehabilitation Programme for 30 Poor Leprosy Deformed Patients

Most of the leprosy patients are beggars on the roads, railway stations, bus stands and temples etc. 

• Stigma and discrimination in leprosy

Since ancient times, society has stigmatised people affected by leprosy. There is a strong feeling in the society that being infected with leprosy is shameful, and because of this, patients, even after they are cured, are not accepted in the society.

Even today, when leprosy is curable, the age-old stigma attached to it has not been cured. Stigma is a reality in the lives of the people affected by leprosy, and this hampers their physical, psychological, social and economic well-being.

Lack of knowledge and information, age-old beliefs, fear and shame, have resulted in the stigma of leprosy. Stigma in leprosy leads to irrational behavior towards people affected by the disease. It is hurtful, and leads to discriminatory practices.

• Social discrimination

The stigma attached to leprosy is so acute that persons affected by the disease, in many cases, are forced to leave their homes and live in isolated colonies. Even those who live within society are often excluded from participating in the mainstream society.

The stigma and discrimination extends to the family as well. Members are treated in a different way and are not allowed to participate in the society. So, many families reject the person affected with leprosy out of fear of social exclusion, thus leaving them without family, home and social support networks.

Leprosy deformed patients are living in different locations of the rural areas of Madurai district. Our NGO covers the following 6 blocks. Madurai city, Thiruparankundram block, Alanganallour block, Melakkal block, Alagerkovil block, Karupayurani block, each block has 25-30 villages. Leprosy patients spread the different locations.

• We want to identify 30 needy leprosy deformed patients for our livelihood programme, (based on health condition, family members support and their willingness)
• What programme they (leprosy patient) can be included in? Leprosy patients, for example, can be engaged in goat farming for sale, or cows for milk business. They can own petty shops and tea stalls, etc.
• We wish to provide financial support to them through the livelihood rehabilitation programme, based on their health and condition, where they are living, and family member support. The project will support Rs 20,000/- per beneficiary.
• We agree to sending picture and beneficiary documents towards reporting and our activities will be shared on social media

The expected outcome is highlighted as under.

• 30 leprosy deformed patients protected from begging.
• 30 leprosy patient’s families get aid towards monthly feeding needs.
• Leprosy deformed patients get new life through these livelihood programmes.
• Leprosy deformed patients lead a life of dignity in the society. 
• Lighting to 30 leprosy deformed patient’s life.