The Leprosy Mission Trust India

The Leprosy Mission Trust India (TLMTI) is the largest NGO in India dedicated to addressing the needs of individuals and communities affected by leprosy and other neglected tropical diseases. It provides medical care through hospitals, vocational training, and residential care for elderly individuals impacted by leprosy. In addition to healthcare, TLMTI supports sustainable livelihoods and inclusive development for marginalized communities. It also emphasizes education and capacity-building through nursing and physiotherapy institutes, central training units, and community projects.

Major Interventions:

Leprosy is one of the most misunderstood diseases. Throughout human history, leprosy is feared; a whole host of myths and misconceptions surround the disease since time immemorial. Even after discovering the germ that causes the disease, leprosy patients are stigmatised and shunned. They are disparagingly called ‘lepers’ and many of them are forced to live as outcasts in ‘leprosy colonies’.

The Leprosy Mission Trust India (TLMTI) operates a comprehensive healthcare program through government-recognized tertiary referral hospitals. These hospitals specialize in leprosy treatment, offering services such as multidrug therapy, management of lepra reactions, ulcer care, reconstructive surgery, physiotherapy, and the provision of aids like prosthetics and orthotics. TLMTI also provides dermatology, ophthalmology, and obstetrics services in select hospitals. Through holistic geriatric care at its Snehalayas, TLMTI supports elderly individuals rejected by families due to stigma. Beyond medical care, TLMTI actively works to reduce stigma, foster community integration, and support career opportunities for those with disabilities.

The NGO runs a Sustainable Livelihood program to empower people affected by leprosy and disabilities by building their economic resilience and fostering social well-being. This program focuses on providing food security, steady income sources, and the ability to manage emergencies while promoting dignity and inclusion in society. TLMTI’s efforts are guided by international conventions on the rights of persons with disabilities, ensuring equal access to resources, opportunities, and social safety nets.

It operates through four key sub-programs: Financial Services, Skills Development, Social Protection, and Employment Support. It emphasizes inclusive employment by sensitizing employers, conducting workplace accessibility audits, and implementing modifications like ramps or adjusted equipment. The program also promotes community-driven approaches, ensuring that affected individuals actively participate in designing and implementing livelihood interventions.

By combining advocacy, training, and practical support, TLMTI creates pathways for self-reliance, integrating individuals into the mainstream workforce while championing their right to a dignified life free from stigma and discrimination.