Lepra

Who we are

We are a UK-based international charity working to beat leprosy.

Leprosy is a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD), thought to be transmitted through nasal droplets, it most commonly affects people in parts of the developing world.

Every year, over 200,000 people are treated for leprosy. Yet evidence shows that there are over three million people living undiagnosed.

Left untreated, this cruel disease causes permanent damage to people’s hands, feet and eyes, leading to paralysis, blindness, infections and amputations.

Over four million people are now living with life-changing disabilities due to leprosy. And sadly, the stigma surrounding the disease means many are left to endure a lifetime of abuse, isolation and shame.

Lepra has been at the forefront of treatment in leprosy since 1924, from the development of an effective cure to ground breaking techniques to find, support and restore the lives of people affected by this devastating disease.

The importance of our work is recognised and supported by Her Majesty The Queen who has been our Patron since she became monarch in 1952.

As a specialist leprosy charity, we work directly with communities in India, Bangladesh and Mozambique to beat this disease.