Introduction
Lepra’s centenary in 2024 was a time of reflection, and an opportunity to celebrate our rich heritage and contribution to the global effort to control leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF).
Throughout our long history, we have helped to develop new medications, innovative treatments, and new approaches to providing specialist care to the people with the greatest level of need.
We are proud of our achievements, which are testament to the many people, who over the years, have helped to ensure that Lepra consistently delivers on its mission in supporting generations of people with the physical, social and emotional impact of their diagnosis.
As we look forward to the challenges and opportunities in the years ahead, our personcentred approach remains at the core of everything we do.
Our new Global Strategy for 20242030 has been formed through the widest consultation possible, allowing us to listen to the views and collective wisdom of the wider Lepra family and the communities we serve.
The result is a comprehensive and in-depth plan, with a progressive and transformational agenda. It is an ambitious plan, some of which is going to challenge us in the coming years, and push us out of our comfort zone. It requires us to think differently, introduce some new ways of working, and focus us on improving our quality and efficiency.
We are acutely aware of how much more needs to be done for people affected
Leprosy still exists. LF still exists. Millions of people live with the lifelong
While the international community works towards eliminate both leprosy and LF in the coming years, our new strategy helps clarify our own role in accelerating the global effort and towards our ultimate aim - a world where we are needed no
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One Lepra
Bangladesh
Lepra is a global family, united across its three countries of operation: Bangladesh, India and the UK. We call this One Lepra.
In this Global Strategy, we are cementing our spirit of One Lepra in a Partnership Agreement between the two autonomous and independent organisations of the LEPRA Society of India and Lepra UK (which includes Lepra Bangladesh), as a statement of commitment and responsibility to each other about how we work and liaise together in a partnership of equals, unified by this joint Global Strategy for our work on leprosy and LF.
LEPRA Society and Lepra UK have codeveloped this Global Strategy and commit to embark on a transformative agenda to strengthen the organisational capacity of LEPRA Society over the next six years so that it can take on more global leadership for One Lepra in the long-term. This is a significant strategic commitment and one of the key objectives of the entire Global Strategy for 2024-30.
The rationale for it is simple: we want to ensure we have maximum impact for people affected by leprosy and LF, and in order to do so, we want our resources, skills and expertise – our organisational capacity – to be closer to the people who we exist to serve.
Sreemoti Binapan Chakrabarty first noticed symptoms of leprosy over 25 years ago. Without early diagnosis and treatment, she later developed disabilities which had a profound impact on her life. To find out more about Sreemoti’s inspirational recovery, please visit www.lepra.org.uk/real-life-stories or scan the QR code.
Our Vision and Mission
Lepra’s Vision and Mission define the overall succinct and simple purpose of our organisation. They clarify all we are trying to achieve in the world.
VISION
A world free from leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF).
Lepra will deliver...
We are working for a world where...
MISSION
We work in partnership with people affected by leprosy and LF to improve detection, ensure access to treatment and care, and promote inclusion and wellbeing.
Health, Inclusion and Innovation for people affected by leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF)
• Detection of leprosy and LF is improved
• People affected by leprosy and LF are able to access treatment and manage the consequences of disease. They are treated with dignity, acknowledged, empowered and are equals in society
We will do this by...
• Building on our long history of ensuring people affected by leprosy and LF can access quality healthcare services
• Ensuring that people affected by leprosy and LF are in the lead so they can realise their full inclusion and empowerment as equal members of society, enjoy improved quality of life, and physical and emotional wellbeing
• Complementing our work with innovations in research, technology and practice, so we can contribute to a more effective and evidence-based response to leprosy and LF
Bilkis Begum’s doctor noticed white skin patches after the birth of her fourth child. She received treatment for leprosy, but was already experiencing the physical, social and emotional impact of her diagnosis. To find out more about Bilki’s inspirational recovery, please visit www.lepra.org.uk/real-life-stories or scan the QR code.
There has been great progress in the care and treatment of people affected by leprosy and LF over the decades: but both diseases persist, millions of people are still affected and the world needs to find new and improved ways of treating and supporting people affected to accelerate progress towards the 2030 elimination targets.
Our new strategy seeks to elevate our focus on research, innovation and technology, giving us the opportunity to contribute more to this progressive agenda. This reconnects us with our past, and our long track record of conducting research and innovating for better
Integrated Approach for Leprosy and LF
For the first time, lymphatic filariasis (LF) is elevated to be on an equal footing with leprosy in our Global Strategy. This recognises the growing role that LF has played in our work in recent years, and is a natural strategic progression for us to make.
It also heralds a more integrated approach for our future work, in line with the World Health Organization’s Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Roadmap for 2021-30.
Developing more integrated approaches to our leprosy and LF work will enable us to synergise on areas such as early case detection, timely treatment, morbidity management, disability prevention and psychosocial support for people affected.
Our Values
Lepra’s values help define the culture of our organisation. They sing to the kind of people and organisation we aim to be.
ONE PEOPLE-CENTRED
Inclusive
...of people affected by leprosy and LF in all our work
...of a diverse group of people in our organisation
Respectful
...of each other in our daily interactions ...of diverse viewpoints and perspectives
Caring
...by demonstrating kindness for each other in the workplace
...for the people affected by leprosy and LF who we exist to serve
LEPRA EVIDENCE-LED
Accountable
...by being honest in all our activities and interactions
...by taking responsibility for our actions
Effective
...by learning about what works best and building on it
...by making best use of our resources to maximise impact
Innovative
...by giving people the space and freedom to explore new ideas
...by seeking new ways to increase our impact in the world
Our values are grounded in the overarching principle of One Lepra, which runs to the very core of our approach.
Within the One Lepra framework, there are two principle values: we are peoplecentred, and we are evidence-led.
Lepra’s focus on people has always been one of its strongest defining characteristics since it was conceived in 1924. it is a part of our DNA. We have always placed people and individuals at the centre of everything we do, especially in the delivery of our mission for people affected by leprosy and LF.
Our evidence-led focus also reflects our long and proud history of being at the forefront of innovation and research. This remains an important theme for the next six years of this Global Strategy.
Our specific organisational values are framed under each of these two principle values, and are aligned with our strategic aims and objectives. This assures us that our organisational culture strengthens our work and our impact.
“Our culture is strong, and our values are true to our history and in line with our future plans”.
Indramani Urang developed leprosy as a child, but was not diagnosed and treated in time to prevent disabilities from developing. To find out more about Indramani’s inspirational recovery, please visit www.lepra.org.uk/real-life-stories or scan the QR code.
Our Strategic Objectives
Our strategic objectives for 2024-2030 are rooted in our approach to supporting people affected by leprosy and LF. They define how we will achieve our overall goal.
Health
Detection of leprosy and LF (and other NTDs in India) is improved, and access to quality healthcare services is ensured.
Inclusion
People affected by leprosy and LF lead to ensure their inclusion and empowerment as equal members of society, and enjoy improved quality of life, and physical and emotional wellbeing.
Innovation
Innovations in research, technology and practice are available to all stakeholders, contributing to a more effective and evidence-based response to leprosy and LF.
Manikyamma grew up with her parents in a leprosy settlement in India. In the year 2000, she too was diagnosed with leprosy. To find out more about Manikyamma’s inspirational recovery, please visit www.lepra.org.uk/real-life-stories or scan the QR code.
EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE
INNOVATION.
FUNCTIONING INFORMATION SYSTEMS
ACCELERATING PROGRESS
Our Long-Term Outcomes
Our long-term outcomes give us the framework to mobilise and plan our work. They are the priority areas that we are going to focus on in the delivery of our projects and programmes – both for our Lepra teams and in partnership with others.
Our nine focus areas will guide us in our work and partnerships and ensure we can have the best possible impact for health, inclusion and innovation for people affected by leprosy and LF over the next six years.
Access to Health
Increasing understanding of the need and motivation for health-seeking behaviour whilst breaking down barriers to health care for people affected by leprosy and LF.
Quality of Life and Wellbeing
Prioritising emotional and physical health, basic needs and livelihood opportunities to empower individuals and foster community participation.
Empowerment
Strengthening Self-Support Groups and representative organisations of people affected by leprosy and LF to advocate for services, equal rights and full inclusion in society.
Stigma and Discrimination
Reducing stigma and discrimination through awareness campaigns, partnerships with others, community mobilisation and increased political commitment.
STIGMA &
PRACTICE
INNOVATIVE INITIATIVES
Strengthening Healthcare Systems
Developing stronger national health systems and delivery for people affected by leprosy and LF through increased government ownership, training, skills transfer and partnership.
Service Delivery
Supporting early case detection interventions for leprosy and LF, and quality ongoing care treatment and support through standardised essential care packages.
Evidence-Based Practice
A research-driven approach ensures deep understanding and continuous improvement, adapting strategies through data analysis for impactful, evidence-based care.
Innovative Initiatives
Integrating advanced technology, including mobile apps and digital tools, enhancing disease tracking, diagnosis, and sustainable healthcare impact.
Functional Information Systems
Integrating technology into leprosy and LF healthcare through mobile apps, telemedicine, and digital diagnostic tools, ensuring adaptable, impactful interventions.
To receive news and updates about our work, and to stay in touch, please scan the QR code or visit www.lepra.org.uk
Support Our Mission Today
Achieving a world free from the physical, emotional, and social impacts of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) like leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF) necessitates global action, robust partnerships, and unwavering collaboration.
Our initiatives in India and Bangladesh are sustained by the commitment of individuals, supporters, and partners who share our vision.
Make a Donation
Support Lepra’s work through financial contributions, from direct impact donations for specific programs like medication kits or mobile clinics to micro-donations that add up over time. Matched giving campaigns with corporate partners can double your impact, making each donation go further.
Fundraise for Lepra
Engage your community by hosting virtual events, participating in challenge campaigns, or creating personalised crowdfunding pages. Corporate teams can organise charity auctions or themed events, combining teamwork with a collective impact on Lepra’s mission.
Volunteer Your Time
Contribute remotely by lending skills to Lepra’s projects or becoming a community champion. Lead awareness sessions locally or online to educate others about leprosy and lymphatic filariasis, supporting vital advocacy efforts.
Spread the Word
Amplify Lepra’s mission by sharing content as a social media ambassador, telling your story, or participating in video challenges. Influencers can collaborate with Lepra, helping extend its reach to new audiences and raising essential awareness.
Scan the QR code to join our mailing list for news and updates, and to discover more ways you can make a difference. Sign up now and be part of a movement dedicated to a world free from the impact of NTDs.
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Images from ‘New Face for Leprosy’ exhibition. Thank you to Professor Diana Lockwood and photographer Tom Bradley