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The Leprosy Mission's 150th Anniversary

On the left, Wellesley and Alice Bailey, who started the Mission. On the right, a modern day young doctor smiles at the camera
Illustration of a baton being passed from one hand to another

Running the last leg of the race to end leprosy

In 2024, The Leprosy Mission is celebrating 150 years since we were founded in 1874 by Wellesley and Alice Bailey.

This year we will be celebrating the achievements of the heroes who have gone before us in the fight to defeat leprosy. As we celebrate their achievements, we also accept the baton from them on the final leg of this long race to end one of the world's oldest diseases.

Arm in arm with persons affected by leprosy, we want this 150th anniversary to be a launchpad towards a world where no one is diagnosed with leprosy again, where no one lives with disability because of this preventable disease, and where no one faces discrimination because of a leprosy diagnosis.

We have all the tools we need to make that world a reality. Even more so, we have faith in the God who has taken us this far and will take us on to a world without leprosy.

Watch the animated history of The Leprosy Mission
An outdoor clinic, probably Itu Nigeria. Showing patients being treated by missionary Dr Stanley Brown .png

The Leprosy Mission's Heroes

Join us in celebrating individuals from across the world who have contributed to our goal of a world without leprosy. From 1874 right up to 2024.

Baileys.png

Our History

Read about our history, from the early days up to our vision for the future.


An illustration of the cross

Joining in the song of Psalm 150

As we commemorate 150 years of The Leprosy Mission, we join the song of Psalm 150, praising God with harp and lyre for His surpassing greatness. Through wars, pandemics, and economic crises, God has sustained this Mission.

Read Psalm 150 >


A picture of a world without leprosy

A young woman in an orange sari looks at the camera
© Ruth Towell
A woman from Nepal in a headscarf looks at the camera
© Rabik Upadhayay

Fasmina and Dhanmati are a picture of a world without leprosy. Both were diagnosed quickly and started MDT Treatment right away. Neither developed impairments and they live a life without leprosy stigma.

A world without leprosy means more stories like these.

Find out how we will create a world without leprosy >