The Leprosy Project

Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by a bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. According to World Health Organization (WHO) more than 213 000 people mainly in Asia and Africa are infected, with approximately 249 000 new cases reported every year. The bacterium multiplies very slowly and the incubation period of the disease is about five years. Therefore, symptoms can take as long as 20 years to appear. Leprosy is not highly infectious. It is hypothesized to be transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contacts with untreated cases. Untreated, leprosy can cause progressive and permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes. Early diagnosis and treatment with multidrug therapy (MDT) remain the key elements in eliminating the disease as a public health concern. The stigma attached to leprosy, results in rejection and isolation of leprosy patients. They are shunned from society and forced to live in “leper colonies”. The community my club and I are hoping to help is a “leper colony” located in Manamadurai, Tamil Nadu, India. The leprosy clinic in Manamadurai is in need of surgical gloves for surgery and sterile gauze to dress wounds.