NEWS & EVENTS

On 19th September 2024, a delegation led by Maya Ranavare, President of APAL, visited the office of the Additional Director of Health Services (ADHS) in Sangli, Maharashtra. The delegation included members of the Maharashtra State Committee team of APAL and representatives from the Maharashtra Kusht Sanghatana. The purpose of the visit was to address the challenges encountered by leprosy patients, particularly related to the Municipal Pension Scheme. Timely disbursement of these pensions is crucial for the basic needs of many individuals affected by leprosy, and any delays or issues have resulted in significant hardships.

Maya Ranavare, a staunch advocate for the rights of leprosy-affected individuals, articulated these concerns to Dr. Shivaji Aldar. She emphasized the importance of punctual pensions and other essential support systems. The meeting also delved into various other issues affecting leprosy patients in the region, such as access to healthcare services, rehabilitation, and social inclusion. Dr. Shivaji Aldar displayed a positive response and a profound understanding of the challenges faced by the community.

APAL, in conjunction with the Maharashtra Kusht Sanghatana, expressed sincere gratitude to Dr. Aldar for his warm hospitality and commitment to addressing the raised concerns. His receptiveness to dialogue and willingness to collaborate in resolving these issues has instilled hope in the leprosy-affected community, reinforcing their faith in a more inclusive and supportive healthcare system.

On 19th September 2024, The APAL State Committee in Telangana, in conjunction with the HP Shakti Ladies Club, recently undertook a commendable initiative to distribute food grains to 85 families affected by leprosy residing in Shanthinagar Colony, Peddamberpet. This altruistic endeavour sought to address the daily needs of the community, ensuring that individuals grappling with the social and economic challenges associated with leprosy received vital provisions for their sustenance. The event not only provided tangible assistance but also infused a sense of hope and relief among the families, underscoring the values of empathy and unity.

The successful execution of the distribution event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of esteemed colony leaders, namely M. Samuel, V. Dominic, Sk. Rahemathulla, Ch. Mallaiah, and M. Chakali, who played pivotal roles in orchestrating and facilitating the seamless allocation of resources within the colony. Their unwavering dedication to the welfare of the affected families exemplifies the shared commitment of local leaders to uplift their community. APAL expressed profound appreciation to the HP Shakti Ladies Club for their invaluable service, acknowledging their significant contribution to enhancing the lives of individuals impacted by leprosy.

Special recognition was also extended to Mr. Ramesh, APAL’s State Coordinator in Telangana, whose active involvement and steadfast dedication to the cause were instrumental in the success of this initiative. Mr. Ramesh’s resolute commitment to aiding individuals affected by leprosy mirrors the fundamental principles of APAL, which revolve around advocacy, empowerment, and support for those confronting social ostracism due to the disease. His endeavours, in conjunction with the collaboration with HP Shakti Ladies Club, have positively influenced the lives of the families in Shanthinagar Colony, fostering dignity and optimism for a brighter future.

On the 19th of September 2024, the State Committee of the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) in Bihar, known as SAMUTHAN, submitted a significant application to the Chief Minister of Bihar. The application specifically addresses two pressing issues encountered by the leprosy community in the state: the necessity to increase the leprosy pension and to resolve the persistent land problems in Bihar’s leprosy colonies. These longstanding challenges have significantly impacted the livelihoods and overall well-being of individuals residing in the leprosy colonies, making this submission a crucial stride towards enhancing their living conditions.

Madam Usha, a key figure in spearheading this initiative, has been a staunch advocate for the cause. Not only does she serve as a dedicated member of the Inner Wheel Club of Patna, but she also holds the position of District President of the Janata Dal-United (JDU). Her dual roles afford her the platform and influence to champion the needs of marginalized communities such as those affected by leprosy. During the submission, Madam Usha pledged to facilitate a meeting with the Chief Minister, bringing the issues of the leprosy community directly to his attention. Her unwavering commitment and active engagement inspire hope that the grievances of these communities will finally receive the attention of the highest echelons of state governance.

APAL extends its heartfelt gratitude to the State Committee in Bihar and Mr. Ramavarai Sah, Joint Secretary of APAL, for his tireless advocacy on behalf of persons affected by leprosy. Mr. Sah’s unwavering commitment to raising awareness, fighting stigma, and improving the lives of those impacted by the disease has been instrumental in fostering change in the region.

On September 18th, the State Committee of APAL in Gujarat conducted an educational program at the Gandhi Leprosy Seva Sangh. The aim was to enlighten third-year B.Sc Nursing students from KD Hospital, Ahmedabad. The event focused on imparting crucial information about leprosy, a disease that continues to impact numerous individuals across the country. Under the guidance of program administrator Shula, students were educated on various aspects of leprosy, including the disease’s nature, wound care, and the importance of specialized footwear such as MCR (Micro Cellular Rubber) chappals for patients. This knowledge is essential for managing leprosy-related complications, especially for individuals suffering from nerve damage and ulcers.

The session also addressed the availability of medicines, government schemes, and treatment options for leprosy, ensuring that students grasped both the clinical and social dimensions of the disease. Furthermore, students were briefed on the challenges encountered by individuals living with leprosy, particularly the hardships they face despite ongoing efforts to enhance their quality of life. They were informed about the activities within the leprosy colony, shedding light on the continuous support and rehabilitation efforts. This visit not only enriched the students’ medical knowledge but also fostered a deeper understanding of the human and social aspects of leprosy care.

APAL expressed gratitude to APAL’s State Committee in Gujarat, Mr. Narsimhulu, and Mr. Vijay Kumar for their remarkable intervention and initiative to contribute meaningfully to the community’s awareness.

On the 18th of September 2024, the State Committee of APAL (Association of People Affected by Leprosy) in Telangana, in partnership with the Share the Vision Khammam organization, conducted a significant distribution of essential provisions to impoverished families impacted by leprosy in the Badradi district of Kothagudem. The initiative focused on two prominent communities: Karunambika Leprosy Colony and Singareni Leprosy Colony. The distribution event supplied crucial rations to 100 families affected by leprosy, ensuring the fulfilment of their basic needs.

The operational oversight was led by the organization’s Director, Narayana Rao, and General Secretary Paul, ensuring the aid reached those most in need. The event was graced by esteemed guests who supported and motivated the cause. Magdalene Sister, Clara Sister, and APAL’s State Coordinator in Telangana, Mr. Ramesh, were in attendance, alongside Raju, the President of the Colony. Their involvement underscored various stakeholders’ collective commitment and dedication in aiding marginalized communities. On behalf of the people affected by leprosy, APAL conveyed profound appreciation to the representatives of the Share the Vision organization for their humanitarian aid. Special recognition was extended to Mr. Ramesh for his consistent commitment to the well-being of individuals affected by leprosy and their families, acknowledging his pivotal role in upholding these essential support systems.

On 16^th September 2024, The State Committee of APAL in Telangana and APAL’s State Coordinator Mr. Ramesh Maniyada convened a meeting with the Honorable Minister, Komati Reddy Venkata Reddy, to address developmental concerns regarding the Bibinagar Subrahmanyam Leprosy Colony and the longstanding issue of Home Pattas allocation for its inhabitants. The committee highlighted the pressing challenges faced by the residents, who have been awaiting essential amenities and rightful housing provisions. Minister Komati Reddy attentively listened to their grievances and expressed his commitment to addressing the situation.

During the meeting, the Honorable Minister assured the APAL State Committee of his support in resolving the issues promptly and favourably. He acknowledged the significance of providing stable housing and proper facilities to the residents of Bibinagar Subrahmanyam Leprosy Colony, who have historically experienced neglect. His dedication to the cause instilled a sense of hope in the committee, who departed the meeting with optimism that tangible steps would soon be taken to grant the Home Pattas and enhance the overall living conditions in the colony.

On 16^th September 2024,  During a recent meeting, Mrs. Maya Ranavare, the President of the Association for People Affected by Leprosy, held discussions with Mr. Aamdar Satish Patil, a Member of the Vidhana Sabha in Kolhapur.

Mrs. Ranavare emphasized the significant challenges that individuals affected by leprosy encounter, particularly within leprosy hospitals. She presented a memorandum outlining these issues and submitted the annual report of APAL (Association of People Affected by Leprosy). In response, Mr. Patil expressed his support and dedication to addressing the raised concerns positively.

On September 13th, 2024, the State Committee of APAL in Telangana, in conjunction with the Share Vision organization, orchestrated a notable occasion to provide aid to families impacted by leprosy. Necessities were allocated to 100 disadvantaged families residing in three leprosy colonies: Premasamajam, Dr. Hanson Colony, and Immanial Three Leprosy Colony. This endeavour, spearheaded by Director Mr. Narayana Rao and Chief Secretary Mr. Paul, offered vital assistance to those in need, bringing optimism and respite to the recipients.

The distribution event was honoured by the presence of various esteemed guests, including ZPTC school HM Mrs. Sivakumari, Panchayat Secretary Mr. Krishna, and former Sarpanch Dandi Suresh. They, alongside APAL’s State Coordinator in Telangana, Mr. Ramesh, disbursed the essential provisions. Their attendance and involvement lent significance to the event, reaffirming the importance of community engagement in supporting the underprivileged segments of society.

The inhabitants of the colonies conveyed deep appreciation to the Share Vision organization for their benevolence. The elders of the colonies, in particular, extended gratitude to the organization’s representatives and Mr. Ramesh for their enduring support, which has played a pivotal role in ameliorating their living conditions. This initiative not only furnished material assistance but also fortified the bond of empathy and concern for the leprosy-affected community.

On September 13, 2024, the Association of People Affected by Leprosy, in collaboration with the District Health Society (DHS) in Kamrup, organized a significant event at the Dhirenpara First Referral Unit (FRU) in Assam. The primary objective of the event was to mitigate disabilities caused by leprosy and to provide essential healthcare support to individuals affected by the disease. The Government Health Department of Assam actively participated in the event by offering healthcare services, including ulcer care, the distribution of MCR (Microcellular Rubber) footwear, and the provision of ulcer-related medicines. Moreover, the program focused on educating individuals affected by leprosy about crucial self-care methods to prevent further complications and effectively manage their health.

APAL expressed sincere gratitude to the Government Health Department of Assam for their support and dedication. Dr. Purabi, the Zonal Leprosy Officer, Dr. Dhulal from the District Health Society, and Dr. Uday Shankar, the director, were specially recognized for their dedicated efforts in ensuring the success of the event. APAL also extended special thanks to the State Committee of Assam, particularly acknowledging the active involvement and contributions of Mr. Venu, the state coordinator of APAL, towards the welfare of the leprosy community. Overall, the program marked a crucial step towards empowering individuals affected by leprosy and ensuring they receive the care and resources required to lead healthy and dignified lives.

On the 11th of September 2024, the State Committee of APAL in Odisha conducted a significant visit to all leprosy colonies in the Balangir district. The team, led by Mr. Prabhakar Sahoo, Executive Member of APAL, India, Mrs. Jayanti Pradhan, Secretary of APAL’s State Committee Odisha, Mrs. Banita, and Mr. Lokanath Lenka, Member of the State Committee Odisha, engaged with individuals affected by leprosy to discuss the various challenges and issues they encounter in their daily lives. The visit aimed to address the residents’ needs, understand their living conditions, and advocate for their rights and welfare.

At Sudpada Adarsh Leprosy Colony, residents emphasized pressing issues such as the proliferation of mosquitoes due to stagnant rainwater, which could not be drained because of inadequate drainage facilities. Furthermore, they raised concerns about the lack of proper land titles (land patta), leaving many families without legal ownership of the land they inhabit, exacerbating their sense of insecurity and instability.

In Narayan Colony, Balangir, the team encountered numerous issues. The residents urgently require land pattas, as well as the construction of a new community hall and pucca houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The community also expressed the need for better sanitation facilities, including the construction of a community toilet. Additionally, they reported that children from the colony are not receiving scholarships under the Sahaya Schemes or the Umbrella Schemes provided by the Odisha Government, limiting their educational opportunities and support.

At Gaintala Colony in Girigobardhanpur, Balangir, which houses 85 individuals across 35 families, 25 out of 33 eligible families have already received land pattas; however, some families are still without legal titles. The president of the colony, Mr. Bighnaraj Rout, along with other residents, voiced concerns about the need for further land patta allocation, the construction of pucca houses, and an improved water supply. Additionally, the community lacks adequate Medical Care and Rehabilitation (MCR) footwear, and they face a dire need for dressing and ulcer care kits. Similar to the other colonies, the children in Gaintala Colony are also facing issues with accessing scholarships.

The visit by APAL’s Odisha state committee underscored the urgent need for governmental intervention to address the basic living conditions and welfare of people affected by leprosy in Balangir district. The delegation promised to follow up on these issues and advocate for solutions that would help improve the lives of these marginalized communities.