Amici di Raoul Follereau (AIFO)

Main activities include:

• Leprosy related activities: AIFO works towards restoring health, hope and dignity for people affected by Leprosy and other allied diseases. It operates under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (centrally sponsored health scheme by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare). Along with other partners, AIFO supports integrated, sustainable, quality leprosy services to all affected. Reconstructive surgery is an important part of alleviating the challenges of leprosy as the disease often renders its victims incapacitated owing to nerve damage. AIFO assists leprosy patients in undergoing the surgery which can help correct leprosy deformities in hands and feet, nose reconstruction and saving eyesight for people who can no longer open and close their eyes. It also increases the patient’s chances of social acceptance in the community, helps them to perform daily tasks and earn a livelihood.
• Community based Inclusive development (CBR) program: AIFO’s CBR programs include education and livelihood initiatives for persons suffering from leprosy and related disability. It provides support to disabled persons’ organizations and self-help groups comprising persons from marginalized backgrounds, particularly women. During the year, over 5,000 visually impaired persons were supported through provision of treatment, counselling and access to opportunity. 8,499 persons with hearing and speech impairments received support and 1,663 persons with mental illness received access to medical care.
• Training Healthcare Workers: AIFO works upskilling and training local government health care workers, doctors, local medical practitioners like nurses and health care staff working for non-governmental organisations. It ensures that  new cases of leprosy are correctly diagnosed , treatment regimens are fully developed and executed for persons suffering from leprosy and related disability.