Programmes


NLT carries out its aims and objectives through programmes in five main areas.

1. LEPROSY SERVICES

NLT's Leprosy Services Centre at Lalgadh, southeast Nepal, serves the surrounding districts where leprosy is most highly endemic, and beyond. It provides:

  • Examination and diagnostic services (such as sensory testing, laboratory services, etc.) for a range of leprosy-related and general medical conditions
  • In-patient and Out-patient treatment services, including: multi-drug therapy (MDT); treatment of reaction, neuritis and complications; reconstructive surgery; POID; foot-care; and, physiotherapy
  • Recording, reporting and the follow-up of people who default from treatment.

The Centre currently records a high proportion of all new leprosy cases identified in Nepal.

2. EMPOWERMENT

NLT aims to empower those affected by leprosy to re-enter society and function effectively within it, equipped with new skills.

The Self-Care Training Centre provides residential training to equip individuals practically and psychologically to participate in family and community life again. It is designed to reproduce everyday living and working conditions, allowing trainees to tackle real problems in a non-medical environment.

Self-help groups are established to enable those re-adjusting to everyday life to meet challenges together.

Pioneering community-based Empowerment and Rehabilitation activities, as part of the governing Stigma Elimination Project, are helping people marginalised as a result of leprosy to become the principal agents of change in issues affecting their own lives. As they begin to play significant roles in their communities, their status is enhanced, helping reduce the stigma of leprosy.

3. CAPACITY BUILDING

NLT's work at Lalgadh supports the Leprosy Control Programme of the Nepal Government. Part of this work involves building up the capacity of 'grassroots' health workers and other influential community groups and leaders, for more effective leprosy control. A purpose-built training centre at Lalgadh facilitates this. One feature of this programme is the mobilisation and training of people affected by leprosy to become important contributors themselves in leprosy control.

4. COMMUNITY AWARENESS

NLT has a range of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities that: alert people to the early symptoms of leprosy, raise awareness of leprosy-related issues, reduce the stigma of leprosy and build a supportive community for those affected by leprosy. Mobile teams visit villages to perform educational dramas or to present videos or puppet shows, for example. Local community groups are encouraged to undertake IEC activities themselves. People who have been affected by leprosy are included, thus becoming key educators in their own communities.

For more information or to donate to the work of NLT - contact us or visit the support us page