Bringing

Healing.Inclusion.

Dignity.

Healthcare

The Healthcare programme provides specialised leprosy care to persons suffering from leprosy, …

Sustainable Livelihood

The programme provides institution-based job-oriented technical skills and employment opportunities …

Community Empowerment

The Community Empowerment programme works with persons and communities marginalised …

Research

Through the multidisciplinary and multi-centre research carried out in the laboratory, hospitals and the field,…

Advocacy

The Leprosy Mission Trust India addresses development needs of people affected by leprosy …

THE LEPROSY MISSION TRUST INDIA

The Leprosy Mission was founded in 1874 as ‘The Mission to Lepers’ by an Irishman named Wellesley Cosby Bailey, in Ambala, India. Subsequently in 1973, The Leprosy Mission Trust India (TLMTI) was registered as a Society under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. TLMTI is the largest leprosy-focused non-governmental organisation in India and is headquartered in New Delhi, India. The organisation works with people affected by leprosy and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), people with disabilities, and marginalised communities, especially women.

Latest stories

Rebuilding hope

Over the week, we will share a series of stories: stories that talk about rising above the challenges, stories that compel us to think that disease itself is not disabling. Meet Rajendran. This man from a village in Tamil Nadu was barely meeting his needs when he was diagnosed with leprosy couple of years back. 

Resilient livelihoods

Sasikala, a single mother and a resident of Cuddalore district, belongs to a marginalised household. When her husband abandoned her, she faced a hard time providing for her two children. She did not want to be a ‘burden’ on the society.

Empowering People

Whether we want to empower communities or break barriers that hinder their progress, inclusive and equitable education is the way to go. This is what creates opportunities to break free from the shackles of poverty, stigma and discrimination and move towards a life of dignity

How we use funds

Working Results for the year 2020 (Figures INR in Lakh)

Frequently asked Question

Does leprosy still exist? How many people in the world still have leprosy?

Leprosy still exists. In fact, every two minutes, one person in the world is diagnosed. Some countries claim leprosy has been “eliminated” but this just means the number of cases reported and recorded by their government is under 1 case per every 10,000 people (0.01%). Elimination is not eradication.

Is leprosy contagious? How do you catch leprosy?

Yes. Leprosy is mildly contagious. But within 24 -48 hours of starting Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) the patient is no longer infectious and cannot pass the disease on to others. (*There is no need to quarantine.)

There is no reason to quarantine or distance any person affected by leprosy.

 It is thought that leprosy is caught through close direct and prolonged contact with a person infected with leprosy. Most likely through the water droplets of the nose, eyes, and mouth (via coughing and sneezing).

Can my donation go to a specific Hospital/cause or a specific object eg. medicine?

YES! Your donation can be specifically directed to a Hosptial or cause, you can decide at the time of donating. 

Where my donation is most needed?

Every year, more than 1 lakh new leprosy cases are registered in India. The greatest need for your donation, therefore, constantly changes depending on circumstances and the economic situation in each of the nine states where we work. Some people need nothing more than a course of antibiotics to get them fit and healthy again. Others need surgery for damaged limbs or cataracts, and many more need counselling, physiotherapy and ulcer care. We also support housing projects, water and sanitation projects, child education schemes, vocational training and so much more. Leprosy is a complex disease and each patient needs a different, individualised approach. You can be assured that wherever your donation is spent, it will free a person from leprosy and change their life forever.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes, all donations to The Leprosy Mission Trust India are eligible for 50% tax relief under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

I have closely watched performance of The Leprosy Mission Trust India for nearly one decade. The contributions of TLMTI network hospitals and research establishment are highly significant. These are in terms of providing very good quality services with compassion to persons affected by leprosy, identifying gaps in the management practices and offering solutions, working closely with NLEP, and finally carrying out high quality leprosy research by competing for projects from Indian and international agencies. TLMTI has made deep impact on all counts. Lot more expectations in future.

Dr V.M. Katoch, former Director General

Indian Council of Medical Research

TLMTI is touching many lives with their warmth and love. Their compassionate approach, coupled with a holistic, inclusive, and inventive vision, is fast spreading love and dignity. TLMTI’s work can’t be rated, it’s beyond measurement, it’s deep and whole

Ms Shibani Sharma Khanna

NDTV Initiatives