Madurai Health and Leprosy Relief Centre (MAHELERECEN)

Madurai Health and Leprosy Relief Centre (MAHELERECEN) is dedicated to eradicating leprosy and providing healthcare to the underserved population along with offering voluntary health promotion and preventive services. These include general health education, leprosy awareness classes, case detection, mobile camps, and rehabilitation services for leprosy-disabled individuals in slum and rural areas of Madurai District. It works towards eliminating the stigma and social exclusion faced by those affected by leprosy.

Major Interventions:

Case Detection and Treatment: The NGO conducts skin check-ups for children in various primary schools to address their increased vulnerability to infection due to inadequate immunity. Mobile Medical Clinics (MMC) and camps are organized to ensure accessible medical care for leprosy-affected individuals in both rural and urban areas of Madurai and Dindigul districts. The Prevention of Deformity (POD) initiative involves providing Chemotherapy treatment (MDT) to detected cases, aiming to cure infections in the early stages. Physiotherapy treatment, including active and passive exercises, wax baths, and oil massages, is administered to patients with deformities.

Health Awareness Program: The NGO implements a health education program targeting school children, industrial workers, and the general public. The program covers topics such as general health, hygiene, safe drinking water, and information about leprosy, tuberculosis (TB), and HIV/AIDS. Education is facilitated through lectures, supported by health education materials like pamphlets, flip charts, flash cards, slide shows, short films, and public addressing systems. Utilizing a door-to-door approach, expert patients are trained to promote health and detect leprosy in new areas, embracing a peer education model to encourage healthy behaviours among community members.

Rehabilitation: The NGO conducts a Socio-Economic Rehabilitation Program for cured and disabled individuals, providing financial support to beneficiaries. This program encourages beneficiaries to engage in income-generating activities. Additionally, Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) activities include providing loans for the self-employment of rural individuals.

Advocacy: Efforts are made by the NGO to empower community members in the fight against leprosy, including social media campaigns and collaborations with village authorities, local, and international organizations. Training initiatives are undertaken to build community resilience and awareness.