Christ's Oldest Charity Rescues Women Trapped by Leprosy Stigma in India and Nepal

How The Leprosy Mission Is Empowering Women Across Asia and Africa to Overcome Stigma and Rebuild Their Lives

The Leprosy Mission is transforming the lives of women affected by leprosy across Asia and Africa through initiatives that combat stigma, build independence, and restore dignity.

In India's Andhra Pradesh state, the charity is encouraging women living in an estimated 800 leprosy colonies to take advantage of government provided free bus travel. Among the beneficiaries are Sheik Unnisa Begam, 61, and Pula Laxmi, 58, who live near Vizianagaram and previously could not afford transport to medical appointments.

Sian Arulanantham, Head of Programmes at The Leprosy Mission, highlighted the courage required by these women.

It takes real courage to board a bus when people have refused entry due to disease related scarring.

She added that empowerment "strengthens families, reshapes attitudes and helps break cycles of poverty."

In Nepal, the charity's three year "Dignity First" programme has trained over 600 Female Community Health Volunteers across four districts to identify the early symptoms of leprosy and connect those affected with medical care.

Dullari, a woman from rural Nepal, joined a self help group after her diagnosis. Through leadership training and sustainable farming skills, she gained the confidence to address domestic abuse. She now serves as vice president of her group, advocating with local authorities for the rights of women affected by leprosy.

Leprosy remains curable but significant globally. The World Health Organization reported over 172,000 new cases in 2024, with more than half occurring in India. The bacterium damages nerves and can cause disability in the eyes, hands, and feet if left untreated.

Women Living With Leprosy Find New Hope Through Christian Charity Programs in India and Nepal

The Leprosy Mission, founded in 1874, is one of the oldest Christian charities dedicated to serving people affected by leprosy. Its work across more than 30 countries reflects a mission rooted in the example of Christ, who reached out to heal those society had cast aside.

The Crusader's Opinion

Christ Himself touched the lepers when no one else would. He didn't form a committee. He didn't wait for government approval. He reached out His hand. The Leprosy Mission carries on that exact mandate, and every Christian should take notice. These women are not statistics. They are our sisters in the global body of Christ, abandoned by their own communities because of a curable disease. The West spends billions on cosmetic procedures while women in India can't afford a bus ride to a clinic. That's not just a policy failure. That's a moral indictment. If the Church won't stand for the forgotten, who will?

Take Action

• Donate directly to The Leprosy Mission to support women's empowerment programs: www.leprosymission.org.uk
• Support The Shepherd's Shield, which funds frontline Christian humanitarian work worldwide: www.TheShepherdsShield.org
• Pray for the 172,000+ people diagnosed with leprosy each year, especially women facing double stigma in their communities
• Share this story on social media to raise awareness about leprosy, which remains one of the most neglected diseases globally
• Contact your local church leadership and ask them to include The Leprosy Mission in their missions giving