On 9th July 2024, The President of APAL, Maya Ranavare, accompanied by the APAL State Committee of Maharashtra, conducted a visit to Ambernath Colony in Maharashtra today. This visit constituted part of their persistent endeavours to comprehend and address the challenges encountered by individuals affected by leprosy and their families. The committee’s primary aim was to directly engage with the residents and local leaders to gain firsthand insight into the daily difficulties faced by these communities.

During the visit, Maya Ranavare and the committee members engaged in discussions with numerous residents and community leaders. They deliberated on pressing issues such as insufficient healthcare services, social stigma, and substandard living conditions. The conversations were open and underscored the residents’ urgent requirements for improved hygiene facilities, access to medical care, and educational opportunities for their children.

The committee put forth several propositions to ameliorate the living conditions in Ambernath Colony. They underscored the necessity for regular health examinations, the establishment of enhanced sanitation facilities, and the provision of clean water. Maya Ranavare also emphasized the significance of community awareness programs to mitigate the stigma associated with leprosy and to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment. The visit culminated in a commitment from APAL to sustain close collaboration with the community for the implementation of these propositions and to advocate for their rights at higher echelons of government and society.