It is a privilege to work with and to be a member of St Francis Leprosy Guild Committee. I value the tremendous energy and planning they put into helping those working in this area to make leprosy a disease of the past.
St Francis Leprosy Guild, based in London, is at the forefront of the fight against leprosy for more than 120 years. Donations have supported many centres in 23 countries across the world. Since the 1980’s new drug therapies, provided free of charge, through the World Health Organisation, (WHO), means that more and more people can be saved from the disabilities caused by leprosy. However, more than 200,000 new cases are still reported to WHO every year. Great efforts are made to eradicate the devastating effects of Hansen’s Disease by early intervention, with the challenge to reach patients when they show initial signs.
St Francis Leprosy Guild supports our RNDM projects in Myanmar. The Sisters, living and working at St Theresa’s Orphanage and Leper’ Colony in Thayet Myo, visit elderly leprosy patients in their villages, ministering to their needs and providing medical care and whatever help is needed. They organise youth activities and ensure that children have an opportunity for education. One of the biggest challenges is training leprosy families to value themselves and one another and helping others to respect and accept those with disabilities.
RNDM’s also work with leprosy in centres in Vietnam and India.
We are grateful to St Francis Leprosy Guild for their help and support.