Netherlands Leprosy Relief Foundation (NLR Foundation)

Their interventions include:

• Self-Care: Persons with Disabilities due to leprosy, though treated with adequate Multi-Drug Therapy and cured medically, are not only prone to develop secondary impairments but there is also a risk of subsequent worsening of their disabilities over time, thus affecting their quality of life. These persons suffering from primary stage disabilities (anaesthetic hands and feet) can be prevented from entering the secondary stage (contractures of fingers, ulcers, etc.) by adopting simple self-care practices. NLR encourages formation of Self-Care Groups in Leprosy colonies and provides training in self-care practices to these persons in order to prevent secondary impairments and disabilities.
• Educational Support: NLR strives to address the needs of Persons Affected by Leprosy (PALs) and their dependants, especially children, so that they get quality education and lead a normal dignified life without facing any discrimination. NLR also takes care of school dropouts and grownups to make them self-reliant. Education support is provided in the form of school fees, books, stationery, school bags, and uniforms. Tutors provide coaching to needy students and ensure that students attend school regularly.
• Health: PALs have little access to primary healthcare services due to stigma, illiteracy, and poverty. To increase this access and provide essential services at their doorstep, medical camps and Mobile Medical Units are arranged. This is a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model where medicines and manpower are provided by the State Government whereas NLR provides logistical support. Laboratory services like blood sugar testing are provided. Persons with visible disabilities are referred to Reconstructive Surgery Centre for correction of their disability. NLR provides protective/assistive devices like crutches, wheelchairs, artificial limbs to PALs to combat activity limitation.
• Community Based Rehabilitation: NLR provides training in livelihood to persons affected by leprosy and their dependents. It works to develop new skills in handicraft, dress designing, tailoring etc. among PALs and gives them access to relevant vocational training and connects them with employers/markets