The Leprosy Mission Australia

TLMA is an international health and development organisation working to eliminate leprosy transmission in developing countries. We are part of a global movement which has been caring for people affected by leprosy for 150 years.

Leprosy is a bacterial disease affecting the skin and peripheral nerves. Left untreated, it causes progressive nerve damage to the eyes, hands and feet which often results in disability (including blindness) and in advanced cases, loss of limbs. It remains a leading cause of preventable disability from communicable disease.

Leprosy is endemic in remote, impoverished and over-crowded areas, where people have limited access to health care, education, fresh food and clean water. It is more than just a physical disease. Since ancient times, leprosy has been synonymous with fear, stigma and discrimination. Diagnosis often means exclusion from school, family, community and employment. Women and children are particularly affected. The long-term mental health, social and economic impacts can be severe.

The good news is leprosy is curable with modern antibiotics. Early diagnosis and effective treatment often result in full recovery and prevent the onset of lifelong disability.

TLMA enables experienced, local partners to deliver multi-faceted health, disability, education and economic development projects in India, Nepal, Nigeria, Indonesia and Timor-Leste. We partner with governments to address both the causes and consequences of leprosy. Our projects are locally led, sustainable in design and informed by medical research.

We hope you can join us in restoring health, hope and dignity to the most outcast people in our world.

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