Yet with the number of new leprosy cases having increased in recent years, to more than 800,000 new cases last year, leprosy control remains a challenge. This alliance has set its sights on the year 2005 as the revised target for the control of leprosy. By working through its own programmes or in partnership with government or non-governmental organisations and in partnership with people affected by leprosy, TLM provides medical and surgical services to those needing treatment. In addition TLM offers comprehensive rehabilitation programmes with vocational training, housing assistance, education and work creation schemes to help former patients gain social acceptance and a new sense dignity and purpose. Please approach our representatives for a copy of our prayer guide, ASK, which lists all the centres we assist.
Most people affected by leprosy live in developing countries in Africa, Asia and South America.
Leprosy is a disease of poverty, and it tends to spread in areas of malnutrition and overcrowding. Leprosy is most prevalent in India, Brazil, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Indonesia. Treatment involves using three antibiotics Dapsone, Rifampicin, Clofazimine, which are very effective in getting rid of the germs. Mild, non-infectious cases of leprosy need to take treatment with two drugs for 6 months. More severe infectious cases take three drugs for 24 months.