Research Brings Growth

Lepra’s Disability Initiative for Independent Living (DIIL) project is working to reduce the physical, psychological, financial and social impact on people affected by lymphatic filariasis (LF) and Leprosy in seven northern districts of Bangladesh. In its third year, the project aims to scale up and accelerate the activities which support ‘managing morbidity and preventing disability’ (MMDP).

Over the course of the project, 140 self-care practice groups have been formed, consisting of around 1400 members. These groups hold a particular importance, not only for the training and reinforcement of self-practice techniques, but also serve as an important, peer-led psychosocial support for its members.

In February, we were delighted to hear the latest development from DIIL. With funding and support from the project, several people from the Nilphamari district are piloting a new element to the initiative. Members are being given plots of land, plus the tools and seeds to start their own local agricultural projects.

In addition to the food they can grow to supplement their families nutritional needs, the members can also sell produce to help provide additional income. As well as the important nutritional benefits, which are known to help promote a more effective recovery, the practice is thought to also have important emotional health benefits

It is hoped that the project will be expanded in the near future, with more people affected by leprosy and LF being able to benefit from this innovative approach to healthcare.

Honouring Elin’s Legacy

In January 2022, 18-year-old Elin from Portsmouth tragically passed away unexpectedly. Elin was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, girlfriend and friend to so many, as well as a hard-working student.

Elin’s dream was to study medicine and train to be a Doctor, with a specific interest in neglected tropical diseases such as lymphatic filariasis (LF) and leprosy.

Following her untimely death, Elin’s family and those that loved her have supported Lepra in her honour, with an aim to create the impact that she wanted to have on the world. The dedicated fundraising that has taken place in Elin’s memory has been nothing short of remarkable and has included marathons, half marathons, local community fundraising, sports and music events and an incredibly brave daily sea swim challenge taken on by her boyfriend’s Mother Sam and sometimes joined by her Mother Deryn, and the cold-water bravery doesn’t stop there!

and Elin’s friends and family met to support one another and see Elin’s light continue to reach far and wide.

donations are enough to pay two nurses to look after patients post-surgery for a year. Finally, as part of ensuring we can reach people before their injuries need reconstructive surgery, the funds raised can train 15 village doctors to recognise symptoms of leprosy and LF, a crucial step in early diagnosis and treatment.

Sam Hope

29 January 2023 marked the anniversary of Elin’s passing, as well as also being World Leprosy Day. To acknowledge this, Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower in Gunwharf Quays was lit up in Lepra’s colours for the evening,

To date, the donations received in Elin’s name are £15,699. The impact of this for the people we support is incredibly significant. The donations are enough to enable us to run an operating theatre for a year, as well as fund a surgeon and a set of surgical instruments.

A surgeon working in this environment across a year can undertake 450 reconstructive surgeries. These reconstructive surgeries are vital to someone who has had a late diagnosis of leprosy and has become debilitated by the loss of movement in either their hands, feet, or both. As well as this, the

Going forward, we plan to place a plaque of remembrance for Elin in the garden of our Blue Peter Health and Research Centre in Hyderabad, which treats and supports over 200,000 people a year. The plans to rejuvenate the centre’s garden will mean that patients will have a calm and comfortable area to wait for their treatment.

Elin’s extraordinary passion will bring hope and dignity to the lives of so many people, and her light will indeed continue to shine long into the future.

Our sincere thanks go to everyone who has supported the range of challenges taken on in Elin’s memory

We are honoured to receive such heartfelt, meaningful support, and would like to reiterate that this continued kindness in Elin’s memory truly will make a lasting difference for thousands of vulnerable people