NEWS & EVENTS

The State Committee of APAL (Association of People Affected by Leprosy) in Bihar, in collaboration with the Government, successfully organized a UDID (Unique Disability ID Card) camp on 25th October 2024 at Chauradano Block, East Champaran, Bihar. This initiative aimed to streamline the process of obtaining UDID cards, which serve as a vital tool for persons with disabilities to access various government benefits, schemes, and entitlements. The camp witnessed enthusiastic participation, ensuring that individuals affected by leprosy were able to apply for their UDID cards with ease.

APAL extends heartfelt gratitude to the Government for its valuable services and cooperation throughout the event. The smooth execution of the camp was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the Bihar State Committee of APAL. A special note of appreciation goes to Mr. Brij Kishore for his unwavering support and commitment to the welfare of persons affected by leprosy. His active involvement was instrumental in ensuring that the camp reached those in need, furthering APAL’s mission of empowering marginalized communities through improved access to essential services.

 On October 22, 2024, APAL, in collaboration with its State Committee in Telangana (SLAP_TS), made a significant impact in the lives of leprosy-affected families in Balaji Nagar Mother Teresa Leprosy Colony, Hyderabad. Under the leadership of State Coordinator Maniyada Ramesh and committee member K. Anusuya, the initiative aimed to provide essential support and care to those in need. The team distributed blankets to 25 families, ensuring warmth and comfort during the cooler months, which is particularly crucial for vulnerable populations.

In addition to the blankets, the team organized a heartfelt lunch for the families, serving delicious biriyani that not only nourished but also uplifted spirits. This gesture of kindness was met with gratitude and joy from the residents of the colony, fostering a sense of community and solidarity. APAL expresses its heartfelt thanks to the Telangana State Committee for their dedication and tireless efforts, with special recognition to Maniyada Ramesh and K. Anusuya for their unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of those affected by leprosy. Their contributions are a testament to the power of compassion and community action in making a difference.

On 22^nd October 2024, Mr. Ramavarai Sah, Joint Secretary of APAL, recently visited the Chanpatiya colony in Bihar to survey the living conditions in the area. What he discovered was deeply concerning. The colony, which consists of 45 houses, is predominantly in a state of disrepair. An alarming 35 of these homes have broken asbestos roofs, creating significant safety hazards for the residents. The dilapidated conditions highlight the urgent need for intervention, as families struggle to find adequate shelter in an environment that should be a source of security and comfort.

In light of these pressing issues, APAL is taking decisive action to support the community. Next month, we will be mobilizing resources to assist with the involvement of investors, facilitated by the generous efforts of Sister Alexandra. This initiative is designed to enhance the living conditions for families in Chanpatiya by supplying safer and more durable roofing materials. Sister Alexandra’s support is not only pivotal in securing the necessary funds but also symbolizes a collective commitment to rebuilding this community. Through these efforts, we aim to restore a sense of security and dignity to the residents, helping them regain hope for a better future.

On 17th October 2024, During a ceremony, Mr. Jawahar Ram Paswan, Vice President of the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL), honoured Dr. Sahir Pal, the Civil Surgeon of East Singhbhum, along with District Leprosy Prevention Officer Dr. Mrityunjay Dhauriya and District Leprosy Consultant Dr. Rajiv Lochan Mahato.

This recognition also included the participation of heads of various leprosy ashrams. The medical professionals were acknowledged for their exceptional efforts in healthcare services and were presented with plants as a symbol of appreciation. Their noteworthy initiative in ensuring the regular operation of a Mobile Medical Unit, which provides essential medical care to patients residing in leprosy ashrams every Thursday, was particularly highlighted. The ceremony underscored the positive impact of their dedication and emphasized the importance of such initiatives in enhancing the well-being of people affected by leprosy.

On 17th October 2024, Maya Ranavare participated in a working session with ILEP (International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations) member organizations in Ethiopia, along with the German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association and The Leprosy Mission. This educational meeting aimed to review, discuss, and align the activities implemented by both organizations toward combating leprosy and its associated challenges.

During the session, Maya contributed by engaging in discussions on best practices, monitoring ongoing projects, and identifying areas for improvement. The collaborative nature of the meeting highlighted the importance of multi-organizational efforts to enhance healthcare delivery, promote social inclusion, and reduce the stigma associated with leprosy. Her involvement reflects a commitment to strengthening partnerships and supporting the global goal of eliminating leprosy through awareness, early intervention, and effective program implementation.

On 16th October 2024. the State Committee of APAL (Association of People Affected by Leprosy) in Bihar recently conducted a humanitarian initiative at Gandhi Gram Kushth Ashram, Motipur, Muzaffarpur. The organization distributed essential general medicines to individuals affected by leprosy residing in the ashram. This outreach reflects APAL’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of marginalized communities, particularly those battling leprosy, who often face social and medical neglect.

The provision of these medicines is crucial, as many residents struggle with limited access to healthcare. Beyond managing the effects of leprosy, the initiative aimed to address common ailments, thereby ensuring a holistic approach to their health. The gesture was well-received by the ashram’s residents, reinforcing the importance of community support in empowering individuals affected by this stigmatizing disease. APAL’s efforts not only provided medical relief but also brought hope, dignity, and solidarity to the people of Gandhi Gram Kushth Ashram.

 On 14th October 2024, Maya Ranavare, President of the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL), recently participated in the ILEP Advisory Panel Meeting, in Ethiopia where she contributed valuable insights representing the voice of individuals impacted by leprosy. The meeting facilitated strategic discussions among international stakeholders working toward the elimination of leprosy-related discrimination and the enhancement of healthcare access. Maya’s participation underscored APAL’s commitment to amplifying the concerns of those directly affected and promoting inclusive policies in global forums.

During her visit, Maya also engaged with the Ethiopian National Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy (ENAPAL). This interaction provided a unique opportunity to exchange experiences, share best practices, and strengthen collaboration between the organizations. The organizations emphasized the importance of empowering individuals affected by leprosy through community-led initiatives and capacity-building programs. Their discussions laid the foundation for deeper partnership in advocacy efforts across borders.

In addition, Maya had a meaningful meeting with Dr. Alice Cruz, the former UN Special Rapporteur on the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy and Family Members. As a gesture of appreciation and to highlight APAL’s achievements, she presented Dr. Cruz with APAL’s Annual Report for 2023-2024. The report encapsulates the organization’s efforts, challenges, and successes over the past year, reflecting its dedication to improving the lives of people affected by leprosy through advocacy, education, and outreach. This interaction reinforced the shared commitment to advancing human rights and ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against leprosy.

On 13th October 2024, APAL’s State Committee in Telangana in collaboration with Sri Sharada Seva Trust organized a heartwarming initiative to distribute essential commodities (ration) to 50 leprosy-affected families residing in the Shantinagar Leprosy Colony and Santosh Nagar Colony. This charitable effort reflects the trust’s ongoing commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and supporting those in need.

The ration distribution was led by the Chief Trustee, P. Sharada Garu, along with other dedicated members of the trust, including Sri Lakshmi, Prasulamba, Bhavani Prasad, Thyagaraju, Dakshina Murthy, and Praveen. Their active involvement made the event meaningful and impactful for the beneficiaries.

Mr. Ramesh, APAL’s State Coordinator in Telangana, also graced the occasion with his presence. He praised the Sri Sharada Seva Trust for extending assistance to these disadvantaged communities. He expressed gratitude on behalf of people affected by leprosy living in the colonies, emphasizing how such acts of kindness foster a sense of belonging among residents.

Several elders from the colonies, including Mr. Samel, V. Dom Nik, Rahimatullah, J. Pullaiah, and Amrut Raj, participated in the event, adding a sense of community and solidarity. The trust members responded positively to the feedback and reinforced their commitment to continuing such initiatives in the future.

The event not only provided essential support to the leprosy-affected families but also highlighted the importance of compassion, care, and unity in addressing social challenges.

On the 7th of October 2024, Mrs. Maya Ranavare had the distinguished privilege of serving as the chief guest at the 150-year celebration of The Leprosy Mission (TLM) in Maharashtra. This significant event, hosted at the historic HIL project, brought together prominent dignitaries from Maharashtra and Karnataka, underscoring TLM’s pivotal role in combatting leprosy in India. Mrs. Ranavare’s presence underscored her dedication to health initiatives and advocacy for the well-being of communities affected by leprosy. In her address, she lauded TLM’s relentless efforts over the past 150 years, highlighting the remarkable accomplishments that have positively impacted numerous lives and advanced leprosy awareness, treatment, and rehabilitation.

The event was graced by key TLM members and government officials, including the Additional Joint Secretary of Maharashtra and Dr. Kanule, whose collective support has been instrumental in advancing the mission’s objectives. Senior TLM leaders, Ms. Tina and Dr. Jaya Deepa, also played a pivotal role in the festivities, showcasing the organization’s extensive influence and sharing compelling narratives of resilience and recovery among patients. Their presence alongside the TLM teams from Karnataka and Maharashtra symbolized a unified front, collaborating closely with government representatives to reaffirm their dedication to eliminating leprosy and ensuring the social and economic inclusion of affected individuals.

On 7^th October 2024, In Gandhi Gram Post Ashram, Motipur, there is a group of 40 leprosy patients, all of whom are ration cardholders and depend on assistance to obtain essential rations. These individuals, due to their particular circumstances, receive their ration supplies based on verification of identification by Vikas Mitra, a community-level facilitator appointed to assist marginalized groups. Unlike the standard procedure for ration distribution, these ration cardholders are exempt from the usual KYC (Know Your Customer) process, as their identification and entitlement verification rely solely on Vikas Mitra’s confirmation. While effective for these patients, this setup deviates from the broader ration distribution system.

To formalize this arrangement and ensure its continuity, all the cardholders recently submitted a memorandum through the M.O. and B.D.O. (Block Development Officer) of Motipur. The initiative was spearheaded by Someshwar Dubey, APAL’s State Coordinator in Bihar, who advocated for the interests of the leprosy-affected group. This memorandum seeks official recognition of the current distribution method, enabling them to continue accessing rations without the need for KYC. In response, local authorities have pledged to forward the memorandum to the district administration. Any requisite directives will be issued at the district level to institutionalize this arrangement, thereby ensuring uninterrupted access to essential rations for these patients.