Reduction of stigma and discrimination
It is not just the physical effects of leprosy which devastates lives. The prejudice that people experience is separating them from society and excluding them from full participation in all ways of life, causing many affected and disabled by leprosy to feel ashamed and worthless.
A barrier to treatment
This terrible stigma is also a barrier to treatment. Many people hide away, avoiding a diagnosis for fear of its consequences. It is crucial that we keep fighting this stigma and discrimination. In each other Priority Programme we will give special attention to the reduction of stigma and discrimination.
Ending the stigma of leprosy
ILEP, the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations that NLR is a member of, published an insightful interactive report about the stigma and discrimination often experienced by people affected and disabled by leprosy. Read the report to learn more about the experience of stigma and how it can be overcome