This year marks the 150th year since Wellesley and Alice Bailey, together with Charlotte, Jane and Isabella Pim, began helping people with Leprosy in India –the founding work that led to The Leprosy Mission’s establishment. Their tremendous efforts started what is now the world’s oldest and largest leprosy-focused organisation. You can read more about The Leprosy Mission’s history here.
Today, thanks to our supporters’ tireless gifts of time, money, and prayer, The Leprosy Mission has the tools to make a world without leprosy a reality.
New diagnostic tests, innovative prevention tools, and leprosy vaccines are in development. We have better ways to heal ulcers, world-class reconstructive surgeons, and scientists exploring exciting new treatment options for type 2 leprosy reaction– the most painful consequence of leprosy. We even have a new generation of leaders amongst organisations of persons affected by leprosy who are equipped and empowered to end leprosy-based discrimination.
While leprosy has haunted the world for more than 4,000 years, the fight to defeat leprosy has never looked more hopeful. We believe that we can be the generation that ends leprosy. What a remarkable achievement and opportunity in a world where many diseases are yet without cure!
As we mark our Jubilee, we are throwing our doors open and inviting all Australians to join us in this final leg of the long journey to eradicate this ancient disease. With humility, we’re declaring that we need your help to put an end to leprosy forever.
For many of you, this will be the first time that you’ve thought much about leprosy. For some, it might be the first time you learned that this ancient disease—one that conjures images of biblical stories—still ruins people’s lives today. Regardless, welcome! Thank you for opening your heart to the message that leprosy is still a thing.
Yes, leprosy is still a thing. But we have a cure. Leprosy’s days are numbered.
