You’re saving children and their families from death or disability in Nigeria!

The Bible says children are a blessing. Now in Zamfara, a special education program is teaching students how to recognise the signs and symptoms of leprosy and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). So children bring not just joy but healing to their families!

Because they learn the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, they do not suffer stigma if they find they show symptoms of leprosy. The program encourages children to refer their family members and neighbours if they suspect they might have leprosy or an NTD. Children are told: “You might save your parents or your brother or sister from death or permanent disability if you share with them what you have learned today.”

Imagine being the child who brings diagnosis, treatment and cure to a family member or friend… who perhaps was too fearful to admit to symptoms, or who could have ended up with nerve-damaged feet and hands… or even amputation!

The result of this education program? A rise in the number of cases of leprosy and NTDs detected and successfully treated… thanks to you!

Children are also taught how to wash their hands and practice good hygiene to prevent NTDs. The Leprosy Mission staff are excited to now see a drop in the incidence of these diseases. Your support of these programs is working!

Thank you for fighting leprosy and neglected tropical diseases in schools.

Because of you, children can recognise diseases such as:

· Leprosy

· Onchocerciasis (spread by black flies and causes blindness)

· Lymphatic filariasis (spread by mosquitoes)

· Schistosomiasis (from freshwater parasitic worms)

· Hookworm or roundworm

They’re disease fighters, thanks to you! Pictured above are students from Bakura Boys School and Mafara Girls College, who are part of the education campaign to combat leprosy and other neglected tropical diseases.

You can further support people affected by leprosy, other neglected tropical diseases or disability in Nigeria by calling The Leprosy Mission Australia TOLL FREE on 1800 LEPROSY (1800 537 767) or visiting the Nigeria Project Page.