The Leprosy Mission Project - Matching Grants

This joint project - with the Rotary Clubs of Durham (North Carolina), Mansfield (UK) and Kolkata (India) - has received matching grants from District 1030 and The Rotary Foundation.  As a result, the Clubs' individual donations have almost been doubled to a total of $32,596.  Our club put in $5,000, Durham NC $2,000, Kolkata Club $5,000 and Mansfield Club $740.  The text below is taken from the Matching Grant Application. 
Thanks to Stewart Atkin for this information - and we look forward to the successful completion of the project.

The Leprosy Mission (TLM) has operated a hospital in Kolkata (previously Calcutta ) since 1986 providing services annually to around 17,000 people affected by the disease. Services provided by this project include leprosy treatment and surgery to correct disabilities caused by the disease, dermatology, ophthalmology and general surgical procedures. In addition, the grant will support the TLM programme which will provide rehabilitation and training for patients to become self sufficient after leaving hospital.

There is a high degree of stigma associated with leprosy, due to lack of awareness and superstition. People affected are often excluded from their families and communities. The problem is neglected by government health services and late diagnosis increases the risk of disability. In addition to medical treatment, TLM provides health education materials which help patients recognize leprosy symptoms and therefore come forward early for diagnosis and more effective treatment. The hospital also works in coordination with TLM's community based programmes so that, post treatment, the social and economic issues of clients are met.

During 12 months of implementation, this project will impact a population of about 17,000 people affected by leprosy, disability and poverty in Kolkata.

This hospital has been established over 25 years and is run by The Leprosy Mission Trust India in partnership with The Leprosy Mission England and Wales, a U.K. registered charity. The Leprosy Mission has programmes which support a holistic approach to sustainable development. The hospital is involved in training medical students in leprosy treatment, helping to integrate care into government hospitals. General patients who can afford to pay for treatment do so, contributing to the sustainability of the hospital. In addition, other N.G.O.s which refer patients also contribute to overheads.

The ongoing legacy of this project includes enabling eye, hand and foot surgeries to be conducted, providing an increase in mobility for patients in the long-term. Treatment will ensure that patients are cured of the disease and discussions with them and their families will help to ensure they can return to their families after they leave the hospital. In addition, health awareness and prevention of disability activities will enable patients to better cope with the ongoing complications associated with their condition and increase their opportunities for earning an income. TLM was founded in 1874 and has a network of outreach services in India. They have worked in Kolkata since 1980.

The Rotary Club of Victoria, Kolkata (D-3291) will monitor the programme of surgery, physiotherapy and rehabilitation. We will regularly visit the Hospital and spend time with the patients and medical professionals to encourage and observe the beneficiaries. Rotary is well placed to reinforce the need for support from government agencies.  Newer Rotarians will be encouraged to volunteer to raise community awareness and to get them involved and keep them 'engaged'.

This Club has already hosted a presentation by TLM to increase awareness in the U.K. of this almost forgotten disease. We had an update presentation in November 2014.