Damien Foundation Is Saving Lakhs Of Lives Battling Leprosy, You Can Help Them

Gopal* (55), hails from Kalava Konda village, Nellore district. His foot and hand were deformed due to leprosy. Homeless and desperate, he was living at the mercy of the local community members in his village staying on the streets. During one of the routine visits of Damien Foundation Trust, they came across his plight and helped him get better. 

Neha* (14) was also diagnosed with tuberculosis. She was heartbroken and in pain. But with help from Damien Foundation Trust, she is now TB free and is leading a normal, happy life.  

These are just a few of the examples from the lakhs of lives that the Foundation has saved from leprosy and TB. 

Damien Foundation’s Fight Against Leprosy & Tuberculosis

Damien Foundation India Trust (DFIT) is a charitable Non-Governmental Organization established for Leprosy and TB Control Activities in India. It offers Leprosy and TB related services either directly through its own projects or in partnership with Government and local NGOs. It is a part of a larger international trust that was first established in Belgium.  

The organization started its chapter of leprosy control activities at a village in South India in 1955, TB control in 1998 and now covers a population of 143.2 million populations across 9 states in India. Their main objective is to provide medical and social support for persons affected by Leprosy or Tuberculosis which is done in close partnership with the local community and Government. 

“Leprosy control is still a problem in India. Every day around 300 new leprosy cases are reported in India and annually accounting for 60% of the new leprosy cases in the world.” One of the serious challenges in leprosy is the stigma associated with discrimination that these patients face. Same with patients with Tuberculosis - the fear of getting infected and stigma makes the late reporting and poor treatment adherence,” - Dr Loreen Gujaral, Chief Medical Officer, Damien Foundation India Trust.

How Do They Help People In Need 

Damien Foundation tries various things to take care of patients suffering from TB and leprosy. They work towards actively educating the persons affected by leprosy and TB and giving them  hope. The Foundation also educates the persons affected by Leprosy and TB ensuring they know about deformity prevention through self care practice. They also encourage the society to respect their rights and restore their dignity. 

“We want to end the stigma associated with these patients and incorporate them in mainstream society.  And we have figured out that the best way to do this is by surgical support, helping them stand on their own feet and giving them access to the proper diet necessary to recover from their condition.”  

Damien Foundation has been working tirelessly for leprosy patients, giving them food and medicine as and when required. Now, they need your help to reach out to many more in need to end their suffering. You can donate generously to help the Foundation give them groceries, medicines and provide them with diagnostic tests.  

* - names changed to maintain confidentiality

Note: All the donations  towards this campaign is eligible for Indian Tax Exemption.