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MatthewDalhousie/leprosymissionaustralia
Founded1913
FounderThe Leprosy Mission
TypeNon-Government Organisation
FocusTreatment, rehabilitation and support for people with leprosy
Location
Area served
5 countries (2023)
MethodMedication, surgery, advocacy, education and awareness
Key people
Greg Clarke (CEO)
Revenue
A$7.866 million (2023)
Employees
23 (FTE, 2019)
Websitewww.leprosymission.org.au
Countries where Leprosy Mission Australia serves as of 2023

Leprosy Mission Australia (TLMA) is a Christian medical charity dedicated to eradicating leprosy, and supporting those affected by the disease. An independent Australian charity, it is connected to Leprosy Mission International, a global federation working in 28 countries.[1] With a history dating back to 1913, TLMA focuses on providing medical treatment, rehabilitation, education, and advocacy for people affected by leprosy, especially those in marginalised communities.[2]

Programs

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The stated goal of Leprosy Mission Australia is a world free from leprosy and its associated social shame, sometimes described as zero transmission, zero disability, zero stigma.[3] This vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations which aim to end the neglect of neglected tropical diseases like leprosy.[4]

Current projects

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Since 2018...

Historic projects

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Location of projects

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According to its government listing, as of 2024 the charity supports projects in India, Indonesia, Nepal, Nigeria, and Timor-Leste.[5] By 2011, the Australian charity was supporting 23 leprosy projects globally.[6] These facilities provide essential medical services, including diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, to those who may not have access to healthcare otherwise.[7]

Healthcare spectrum

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TLMA's work encompasses a wide spectrum of care, including medical treatment, rehabilitation, education, and advocacy.[8] The organisation is shaped by its Christian faith, and so addresses leprosy as both a medical and social issue, with clinics and Christian ministry centres being set up alongside each other.[9][10]

Projects provide early diagnosis, treatment, and care for those affected by the disease.[6] This is regarded as crucial since early detection and treatment are key to preventing the debilitating effects of the disease.[11]

Specialists from the organisation provide physiotherapy, reconstructive surgery, and other forms of rehabilitation, helping patients to regain their mobility and independence.[12][13] This aspect of TLMA's work addresses the physical and psychological impacts of leprosy, enabling people to rebuild their lives.[14] In this regard, the charity has been described as one of the earliest disability inclusion organisations.[15]

Awareness and education

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TLMA raises awareness about leprosy, its symptoms, and available treatments through educational programmes and campaigns.[16] This includes educating communities about how the disease is both preventable and treatable.[16] TLMA's educational efforts aim to empower individuals and communities with knowledge about leprosy, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment.[3]

Treatment

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Programs include multidrug treatment, shown to cure the disease within 6 to 24 months.[17]

Advocacy

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With its global partners, Leprosy Mission advocates for the rights and needs of people affected by leprosy, working with governments, international organisations, and other stakeholders to ensure that they receive the support and resources they need.[18] Advocacy plays a crucial role in raising the profile of leprosy on national and international agendas, ensuring adequate funding and resources for its eradication.[19]

Research

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The organisation supports research aimed at finding new and more effective treatments for leprosy, as well as developing strategies for preventing the disease. Research is essential for developing innovative solutions to combat leprosy and ultimately achieve a world free from the disease.

The organisation implements community-based rehabilitation programmes to help people affected by leprosy regain their mobility and independence, as well as integrate back into their communities. This approach recognises the importance of social support and community involvement in the rehabilitation process. TLMA conducts educational programmes and campaigns to raise awareness about leprosy and reduce stigma associated with the disease. This includes training healthcare workers, community leaders, and teachers on how to identify and address leprosy-related issues. These campaigns aim to dispel myths and misconceptions about leprosy, fostering a more supportive and inclusive environment for those affected by the disease. The organisation provides vocational training and income-generating opportunities for people affected by leprosy, helping them to become self-sufficient and improve their quality of life. Economic empowerment is a crucial aspect of rehabilitation, as it enables individuals to regain their livelihoods and contribute to their communities.

The primary mission of Leprosy Mission Australia is to empower individuals and communities affected by leprosy through medical treatment, rehabilitation, education, and advocacy. The organization aims to achieve the following objectives:

  1. Medical Care: Provide comprehensive medical treatment and care for individuals affected by leprosy, including diagnosis, medication, surgeries, and preventive measures.
  2. Rehabilitation: Support the rehabilitation and reintegration of leprosy patients into society by providing vocational training, livelihood support, and community-based rehabilitation programs.
  3. Education and Awareness: Raise awareness about leprosy, its causes, symptoms, and treatment, to dispel myths and reduce stigma associated with the disease.
  4. Advocacy: Advocate for the rights and dignity of individuals affected by leprosy, and promote policies and initiatives aimed at eliminating discrimination and ensuring access to healthcare and social services.

Activities and Programs

Leprosy Mission Australia conducts a range of activities and programs to fulfill its mission and objectives:

  1. Medical Camps and Clinics: LMA organizes medical camps and operates clinics in leprosy-endemic areas, providing free medical consultations, diagnosis, and treatment to individuals affected by leprosy.
  2. Community Rehabilitation: LMA supports community-based rehabilitation programs, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and self-care training, to help leprosy patients regain their independence and livelihood.
  3. Education and Awareness Campaigns: LMA conducts educational workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns in schools, communities, and healthcare settings to educate people about leprosy and dispel misconceptions.
  4. Capacity Building: LMA invests in training healthcare workers, community leaders, and volunteers to enhance their capacity in leprosy diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
  5. Research and Innovation: LMA collaborates with research institutions and partners to support research initiatives aimed at improving leprosy diagnosis, treatment, and prevention methods.

Organisation and partners

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The charity is accredited by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Council for International Development, and the Australian NGO Cooperation Program of Australian Aid, Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand and the Australian Disability Consortium.[20]

Fundraising reached 2.9 milion by 2023.[20]

Partnership with the Netherlands charity, No Leprosy Remains.[20]

Received DFAT funding of 1.41 million.[20]

Programs as at 2023 fixed term projects

  • Integrated Mobilisation, Nepal ( 2019- 2024) identifying new cases, and promoting inclusion of people affected by leprosy, implemented by the Leprosy Mission Nepal, in partnership with Australian Aid.[20] based out of Anandaban Hospital in Kathmandu.
  • Socio-Economic Reghabilittyation, Nelapl (2020-2023), TLMN
  • Jhapa, implmented by Neapl Leprosy Fellowship reducing the number of child cses in the xix municipalities in Jhapa - Austalian Aid
  • Vadathorasalur Vocational Training Centre India. training to students with leprosy disabilty and tho based in Villupuram, founded by Danish missionaries
  • Timor-Leste, Australian Aid, implmented by Misaun Lepra, (2019-2024)reducing lerposy transmitioon, working with Timor Leste Minister y of hhatlh for screening and contact tracing.
  • Kotaku (2022-2025) partner with Yayasan NLR Indonesia. Aimed at urbain areas such as Bekasi in Java Island. Focus on developing sckillss smongsgt doctors in leprosy diagnosis and treatemtn. [20] With Austrlaian Aid.
  • Leprosy Friendly Village, Desaku, Ausralian Aid, Indonesia (2022-2-25) partner with Yayasan NLR Indonesia.community awraeness and education.
  • Nigertia (2019-2024) partners with Zamfara Ministry of Health to strengthen local health serices in diagnosis and treatment. , implemente by The Leporsy Mission Nigeria.
  • India (2019-2023) Tamil-Nadu disability management implemented by The Leprosy Mission Trust India
  • Vadathorasulur Vocational Training Centre (2023-2028) vocational trainingt o young adults affect by leporsy implemented by The Leporsy Mission Trust India
  • Philadephia Leprosy Hospital Alsur and Kothara Communty Hostial implmented by the Leprosy Mission Trust India


History

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Wellesley Bailey, the founder of The Leprosy Mission, established TLMA in 1913 after visiting Australia and garnering support for the cause.[21] TLMA's establishment reflects the global movement at the time to address the neglected tropical diseases that have, and continue, to disproportionately affected marginalised communities.[22][23] Since then, the organisation has been instrumental in securing government and individual funding for various leprosy projects worldwide.[24] TLMA's efforts have contributed to the global decline in leprosy cases, but the disease remains a pressing issue in many developing countries, particularly those with limited access to healthcare and resources.[25] One of its researchers, the microbiologist, Jenny Davis, describing the fight against leprosy as being one of the medical success stories of the 20th Century.[26]

By 2011, the Australian charity was supporting 23 leprosy projects globally, providing early diagnosis, treatment, and care for those affected by the disease.[6]

Leprosy Mission Australia relies on the generosity of individuals, churches, and other organisations to fund its work. The organisation conducts various fundraising activities, including regular giving, cycling sponsorships, street appeals, events, and extreme-distance walking.[27][28][29] TLMA also collaborates with other organisations, including governments, international agencies, and other non-profits, to achieve its goals. These partnerships allow TLMA to leverage resources, expertise, and networks to maximise its impact. Collaboration is essential for addressing complex global health challenges like leprosy, as it brings together diverse stakeholders with complementary strengths.

Leprosy Mission Australia has made significant contributions to the global fight against leprosy. The organisation's work has helped to reduce the number of new leprosy cases, improve the quality of life for people affected by leprosy, and reduce stigma and discrimination. This achievement reflects the effectiveness of TLMA's comprehensive approach to leprosy control and prevention. These programmes demonstrate TLMA's commitment to holistic care, addressing both the physical and social impacts of leprosy. Reducing stigma is crucial for early case detection and treatment, as it encourages individuals to seek help without fear of discrimination.

Despite significant progress, leprosy remains a public health challenge in many countries. TLMA faces several challenges in its work, including limited resources, stigma and discrimination, and lack of awareness. Limited resources pose a significant challenge to scaling up leprosy control and prevention efforts, particularly in resource-limited settings. Addressing stigma requires ongoing efforts to change social attitudes and beliefs about leprosy, which can be deeply ingrained in some communities. Raising awareness about leprosy is an ongoing challenge, requiring sustained efforts to educate the public and healthcare providers.

To address these challenges, TLMA is focused on expanding its reach, strengthening partnerships, and investing in research. Expanding reach is essential for ensuring that leprosy control and prevention efforts reach those most in need, particularly in remote and marginalised communities. Strong partnerships are crucial for leveraging resources, expertise, and networks to achieve greater impact in the fight against leprosy. Continued investment in research is essential for developing innovative solutions to address the evolving challenges of leprosy control and prevention.

Leprosy Mission Australia plays a vital role in the global fight against leprosy. The organisation's work has helped to improve the lives of countless people affected by the disease. By providing medical treatment, rehabilitation, education, and advocacy, TLMA is working towards a world free from leprosy and its associated stigma.

Executive Committee became a Board in the 1990s

2004 East Timor during its transition to indepenendence., involved in prevention, treatment and rehabilitiation.[30]

20 villages in Kuningan West Java Province several provinces Indonesia.[31][20]

In PNG, the Leprosy Mission helps get people diagnosed and treated and gives vocational training to people with the disease.[32]

By 2003 organisation is responsible for several groups of medical and allied health students, who visit projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Papua New Guinea, Nigeria, Nepal and India.[33]

By 2000, TLMA microbiologist Jenny Davis "The fight against leprosy is one of the medical success stories of the past two decades. "[26] The number of people requiring treatment for the active disease has gone down from 11 million in the 1980s to about one million by 2000. concurrent therapy with three antibiotics.[26] In Anandaban,

Kolkota leprosy projects support by leprosy mission australia.[34]

Dr Barry Noel EDWARDS, Highton Vic. Fundraising for The Leprosy Mission OAM[35]

Moved from Dapsone, as the disease became resilient to the treatment, to multidrug treatement (MDT) including dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine.[31]

Dr Colin Martin, who has served in Indonesia as GP and, after retirement, chaired the organisation.[23][36]

Dr Paul Brand, orthopedic surgeon, He was also international president of the Leprosy Mission from 1993 to 1999.[37]

Current and former leadership

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Operational leaders, doctors, nurses other health professionals

Chairs

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  • H. J. Hannah (1913-1958)[38]
  • P. E. Turnbull (1958-1961)[38]
  • P. L. Turnbull (1961-1982)[38]
  • Ian Milne (1982-1990), later Chair of The Leprosy Mission International (1990-1996)[39]
  • Russell Conway (1992-1995)[40]
  • Jenny Davis (2000-2013)[41]
  • Colin Martin (2014-2019)[36][23]
  • Steven Meredith (2019-2022)[42]
  • Jennifer Ward (2022 - current)[20]

National leadership

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  • W. J . Eddy, Secretary (1913-1931)[38]
  • A. E. Blackwell, Secretary (1931-1932) [38]
  • F. A. Crawshaw, Secretary (1934-1945)[38]
  • R. Edgar, Secretary (1946-1963)[38]
  • Richard McKeown, Executive Secretary (1963-1976)[43]
  • Bill Edgar, Executive Secretary (1977-1980)[43]{{sfn|Bock|2016|p=42}
  • Ken Martin, Executive Secretary (1980-1990) who later served as President of International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations, the Vice Chairman of TLMI then the the Chairman (2013-2017).[44]
  • Ken Martin, National Director (1981-1990) later Chair of LMI (2013-2017)[36]
  • David Whiting, National Director (1990-1993)[45]
  • Gordon Combs, National Director (1993-1994)[44]
  • Stuart Brown, CEO (1994-2006)[44]
  • Graham Peck, CEO (2006-2015)[44]
  • Sheldon Rankin CEO (2015-2023)[46][47][20]

Executive Secretaries

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Noted advocates

Barry N Edwards (MB, BS 1965)—for service to the community, particularly through fundraising for the Leprosy Mission Australia.[48]


Notes

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  1. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - Radio 4 Appeal, The Leprosy Mission (England and Wales)". BBC. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  2. ^ Turnbull 1990, p. 6.
  3. ^ a b Lim, Anne (11 October 2023). "Leprosy - didn't Jesus fix that? - Eternity News". Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  4. ^ World Health Organisation. "Take Action for the Sustainable Development Goals". United Nations Sustainable Development. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  5. ^ "Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission". ACNC. 2024.
  6. ^ a b c Bock 2016, p. 12.
  7. ^ "Postcard: Leprosy Mission Australia :: Sunday Nights". www.abc.net.au. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  8. ^ Bock 2016, p. 12-17.
  9. ^ Bock 2016, p. 38.
  10. ^ Cleary, John; Debien, Noel (2 March 2007). "Sunday Nights". abc.net.au. 15 minutes 40 seconds on.
  11. ^ Nicholls, P. G.; Ross, L.; Smith, W. C. S. (1 December 2006). "Promoting early detection in leprosy – a literature review to identify proven and potential interventions addressing patient-related delay". Leprosy Review. 77 (4): 298–310. doi:10.47276/lr.77.4.298. ISSN 0305-7518.
  12. ^ Turnbull 1990, p. 24-44.
  13. ^ "Dig deep for leprosy". Regional Business News: 7–7. 10 August 2010 – via eds.p.ebscohost.com.
  14. ^ Joseph A., Geetha; Sundar Rao, P.S.S. "Impact of leprosy on the quality of life" (PDF). Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 77 (6): 515–518.
  15. ^ "Mornings". ABC listen. 17 April 2024. 2 hours 12 minutes on. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  16. ^ a b Crooks, Mike (28 January 2024). "Secrets of Leprosy : "Suffering Can Be Stopped"". Hope 103.2. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  17. ^ Tran, Megan. "Leprosy in Australia: a forgotten disease". Nursing Review. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  18. ^ Ahmed, Kaamil (12 July 2021). "Health campaigners call for an end to the use of the word leper". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  19. ^ Brink, Susan (16 September 2017). "Leprosy Is Not Quite Yet A Disease Of The Past". NPR.
  20. ^ a b c d e f g h i "The Leprosy Mission Annual Report 2023 by The Leprosy Mission Australia - Issuu". issuu.com. 17 November 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  21. ^ Turbull 1990, p. 6.
  22. ^ Kumar, Alexander; Lambert, Saba; Lockwood, Diana N J (25 January 2019). "Picturing health: a new face for leprosy". The Lancet. 393 (10172): 629–638.
  23. ^ a b c Tran, Megan (December 2018). "The forgotten disease". Nursing Review (6): 18–18. ISSN 1326-0472 – via EBSCO.
  24. ^ Bock 2016, p. 3.
  25. ^ "Leprosy". www.who.int. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  26. ^ a b c "Fighting Leprosy in Nepal - Jenny Davis". www.abc.net.au. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  27. ^ "Help disadvantaged". Guardian Express (Perth): 5–5. 10 August 2010 – via EBSCO.
  28. ^ Taylor, Nikki (12 January 2011). "Helen's trip aids people with leprosy: Blacktown Advocate". Blacktown Advocate: 13–13 – via EBSCO.
  29. ^ Cogdon, Kamahl (12 October 2007). "Driven scientist is on roll for charity". Herald Sun – via EBSCO.
  30. ^ "Confronting leprosy". www.etan.org. 14 July 2004. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  31. ^ a b Jackson, David (April 1983). "More of everything brings results in leprosy treatment". Australian Nurses Journal. 12 (9): 53–55. ISSN 0045-0758 – via EBSCO.
  32. ^ Hendrie, Doug (29 October 2018). "Leprosy was thought to be eliminated in Papua New Guinea – but it's back". news GP. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
  33. ^ "Aid chief faces a world of challenges". The Sydney Morning Herald. 20 November 2003. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  34. ^ "Postcard: Leprosy Mission Australia". ABC listen. 3 March 2007. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  35. ^ "Order of Australia - Part 2 of 4 - Australia Day Honours". The Australian. 26 January 2006 – via EBSCO.
  36. ^ a b c Reporters, Staff (13 September 2023). "Leprosy Mission guest speakers coming to Taree". Manning River Times. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  37. ^ "From carpentry to rebuilding human bodies". The Sydney Morning Herald. 6 October 2003. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  38. ^ a b c d e f g Turnbull 1990, p. 12-16.
  39. ^ "Jennifer Keeler-Milne: Ian McKay Milne". Jennifer Keeler-Milne. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  40. ^ Bock 2016, p. 42.
  41. ^ "About Jenny Davis". www.abc.net.au. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  42. ^ Carpenter, Martk (21 November 2019). "Spotlight on the Code – governing accountably, transparently and responsibly". Australian Council for International Development.
  43. ^ a b Turnbull 1990, p. 20.
  44. ^ a b c d Bock 2016, p. 2-6.
  45. ^ Bock 2016, p. 2-11.
  46. ^ "Over 50 community leaders and public figures call for bipartisan leadership to rebuild Australian aid". Parliament of Australia.
  47. ^ ben.holman (31 October 2022). "Leprosy stole more than Shakti's leg. Why is she smiling? - Eternity News". Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  48. ^ Brentnall, Liz; McCalman, Liz; Richardson, Linda, eds. (2006). "UMMS CONGRATULATES". Chiron: Journal of the University of Melbourne Medical Society. 5 (4): 29.

References

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  • Bock, Valerie (2016). Thanks be to God: A History of The Leprosy Mission Australia 1989-2013.
  • Turnbull, P.L. (1990). A Lifetime of Caring: The Leprosy Mission in Australia.
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