Because of a leprosy diagnosis, Thresia experienced self-stigma and feared being teased at school. Now, she's back studying and ready to pursue her dreams.

Both Shudeepta and her sister are now working in the garment industry, where they have been able to earn a good income thanks to TLM training

Because of leprosy, Suresh and Mangala both faced enormous challenges before they met each other. Now they are happily married, parents to three beautiful children, and they use their work to transform the lives of persons affected by leprosy in India.

Ashok life is transformed after attending the Vocational Training Centre. After being hospitalised for leprosy, he is now providing for his family in a job that he loves.

Kashi does not allow his childhood experience with leprosy to affect his patient care.

U Soe Win is one of four individuals to win the Wellesley Bailey Award in 2024. This is his story.

Sandra Dongo Botolo is one of four individuals to win the Wellesley Bailey Award in 2024. This is her story.

Md. Kamal Uddin is one of four individuals to win the Wellesley Bailey Award in 2024. This is his story.

Maya Ranavare is one of four individuals to win the Wellesley Bailey Award in 2024. This is her story.

At just two years old, Shakti started showing signs of Leprosy. Her condition worsened, to the point that she had to wear a leg prothesis, an event that made her dream of becoming a doctor seem more distant than ever. Now, she stands strong and is looking for a way to be independent and help her family.

Chandana’s goal was clear—to secure a stable job and uplift her family from poverty. She successfully completed her full course of treatment for leprosy and emerged stronger and more confident, ready to rebuild her dreams.

Rekha, now 55 years old, has been affected by leprosy since she was around seven years old. After losing her mother at two and later undergoing a leg amputation, Rekha found a new way to rebuild their life while in the hospital: through knitting.

The Khushi self-help group (SHG) is one of many SHGs run by TLM Nepal, but it is unique in that it is run primarily by women! Vice President Rativa Devi Thakur notes that, as women, being included in these meetings is empowering. “Before joining Khushi SHG,” she said, “I never imagined leading meetings or talking to officials. Now, I not only manage group activities but also motivate other women to raise their voices for equal opportunities.”

Find out everything you need to know about World Leprosy Day, including the digital toolkit, key messages, and how you can make a difference.

World NTD Day happens on 30 January every year and is marked by a call to invest in the neglected diseases that threaten 1.7 billion people worldwide.