28 Middleborough
Colchester
Essex
CO1 1TG

Tel: 01206 216700
Web: www.leprahealthinaction.org

Since 1924, LEPRA Health in Action (formerly the British Leprosy Relief Association) has been working for a world without leprosy. The development and introduction of multidrug therapy in 1982 means that leprosy could at last be cured.

Despite this many people still are not receiving the help that they need. Early identification and treatment are essential to prevent patents becoming permanently disfigured or disabled by leprosy. Many people don't know that leprosy is curable, or recognise the signs and symptoms, some fear coming forward for treatment as a result of the stigma associated with the disease.

Educating people about leprosy and the availability of a cure is now an intrinsic part of the work that LEPRA undertakes fighting this disease. Ensuring people have access to a cure would not be possible without a health system that is capable of delivering them. A large part of LEPRA's work therefore involves working with governments and health providers to strengthen health systems that exist and improve skills in patient care and rehabilitation.

Leprosy is first and foremost a disease of poverty. Many of LEPRA's projects take place in poor and isolated rural communities and in urban slums. Over the years the organisation developed the knowledge and expertise to deal with a variety of health conditions affecting the communities with which it is involved.