KIT Blog

Contributions from people like you are vital for increasing the health and well-being of many people impacted by leprosy.

You can make a world of difference to someone in this situation by gifting them with access to clean water or education for maintaining good hygiene. Simply by shopping at the Leprosy Mission, you can be part of that change.

In remote communities, there are many people who have no access essential education, are unable to earn an income to provide for their basic needs and face discrimination, increasing their risk of developing other health issues.

Every time you purchase one of our products, you are transforming the lives of people living in villages such as this one.

In the Kuga Community, where farming is a standard form of income, some women are unable to work in the fields as they have been affected by disease or disability due to leprosy. The Kuga Women’s livelihood group was formed in response to this issue. Initially acting as a self-care group, where women received training in business development skills, it soon evolved into a self-help group.

Thanks to your shopping, the program has assisted many vulnerable women in achieving a sustainable livelihood and creates new opportunities for all members to overcome their oppression.

Support from people like you towards this project created enough funds for a water bore-hole to be installed in the village. This allowed the women to safely clean their ulcers and prevent other wounds while also supplying water to the entire community, decreasing the risk of water-borne disease and illness.

The women, who previously had to beg for money, are now successfully selling jewellery and cleaning products at the local market to gain a steady income. They have sold sheep and goats for profit while also purchasing cattle that are looked after by their husbands.

You can continue to make a life-changing difference, not only for people suffering from the effects of leprosy but their entire community.

“We’re considered important in our community – other people want to join our group who are not affected by leprosy or do not have disabilities”, explains one of the women. No longer marginalised in their community, the group members feel empowered by their contributions to the village.

Another woman recognises this saying, “By making and selling these products together, it’s created this sense of shared responsibility with one another that’s motivating. We support one another and want to see our business succeed”.

Now an integral part of their community, these women continue to use their success to benefit the needs of others. Hossi, the group secretary, explains that the group has, “initiated an education program in [the] local community to ensure all primary school age children receive an education.” 

Formerly considered to be a burden on the village, people are now dependant on the services that the group delivers. With your help the women now intend to expand their business to provide aid to even more people.

“We highly appreciate your support! Please continue to support the Leprosy Mission so groups like ours can be a support to others in our local communities and to keep our communities’ children benefiting from education” – Hossi

You are doing more than just shopping when you purchase products from the Leprosy Mission.  You are choosing to make a difference for people in desperate need and on behalf of all the lives you are changing, we say thank you.