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DR Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo is an immense country with a wealth of natural resources but recent civil wars mean daily life is a struggle for much of the population. Leprosy is still prevalent and access to remote areas is hampered by poor infrastructure. TLM works in partnership with the government of the DR Congo as well as some NGOs and churches across six regions.

Leprosy Control
TLM works in partnership with the government to detect and treat leprosy. Fear and ignorance about leprosy causes patients to delay seeking help which leads to some patients developing severe disabilities before they receive medical treatment.

Activity Type
			Hospital
			Leprosy Control
			Prevention of Disabilities
			Training
			Health Education
			Reconstructive Surgery
			Vocational Training
			Community Based Rehab

Education
Ccommunities are educated and informed about leprosy – teaching them to spot the first signs of leprosy and where they can go for help is vital in leprosy awareness. Training through conferences, radio and TV messages help strengthen understanding about the disease. TLM supports physical and socio-economic rehabilitation of individuals and communities affected by leprosy.

Physical Rehabilitation
People affected by leprosy with visible disabilities are often stigmatised in their communities where ignorance and fear about leprosy are widespread. Through mobility aids and improved living conditions, livelihoods and dignity are restored. Health workers are trained to teach patients how to care for their wounds, manage their disabilities and wear protective footwear if feet have become anaesthetised.

Socio-Economic Rehabilitation (SER)
This includes rearing pigs, rabbits and chickens, and vegetable cultivation. Other forms of SER include micro-credit loans that enable people affected by leprosy to start small businesses and lead economically independent lives. In some areas of TLM’s work in DR Congo, scholarships are provided for children of leprosy affected people and housing loans for the homeless.

Advocacy
Through advocacy – informing the media, authorities and counselling- communities are encouraged to rethink deep rooted attitudes towards leprosy, and leprosy is kept on the healthcare agenda.