Sweden is admired internationally for its social welfare system which, in exchange for higher taxes than in some countries, offers citizens universal healthcare, free education and other social services. One of the associated results is that Sweden is well-regarded for human rights, equality and the protection of civil liberties.
The Leprosy Mission has been active in Sweden since the mid-1970s. It seeks to raise awareness of the needs of people affected by leprosy and to stimulate interest in how lives and families can be changed through supporting TLM. A number of ambassadors and presenters keep contact with individuals, organisations and churches in their areas, and information on leprosy and its consequences is given to Christian conferences and gatherings and to schools and colleges. In a monthly magazine, reports from TLM’s projects are spread all over the country with stories of restored lives and families. Through its membership of the Swedish Mission Council, TLM is also able to access a significant amount of Government overseas development funding. TLM Sweden supports work in India, Myanmar, DR Congo, Nigeria, South Sudan and Bangladesh.
TLM Sweden’s country leader is Allan Ekstedt. It contributes around £700,000 to TLM programmes.