NEWS & EVENTS

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.

On October 5, 2024, Mr. Madhusudan Tiwari, representing the APAL’s State Committee in Jharkhand, and his team from the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL), formally submitted an application to the Deputy Commissioner of Dhanbad district under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme. This initiative is aimed at providing permanent housing for 627 families residing across 16 leprosy colonies within the district. The PMAY scheme, a flagship program of the Indian government, is dedicated to offering affordable and safe housing for underprivileged citizens. Through this application, APAL seeks to ensure that these families, many of whom have faced social stigma and economic challenges due to their conditions, can access secure and dignified living conditions, a fundamental need and a long-overdue right.

The application underscores the urgent need for permanent housing for these communities, which have often been marginalized and lack adequate access to basic amenities. By facilitating this process, Mr. Tiwari and APAL aim to uplift the affected families, offering them a stable foundation that fosters self-reliance and a sense of belonging within society. It is anticipated that the Deputy Commissioner will respond positively, recognizing the importance of inclusive development. If successful, this endeavour will not only enhance the living standards of these families but also reaffirm their rightful place in society, reinforcing the government’s commitment to social equity and housing for all.

On the 5th of October 2024, the APAL State Committee, led by State Coordinator M. Ramesh, orchestrated a significant humanitarian endeavor aimed at providing assistance to families impacted by leprosy in Shanthinagar Colony, Peddamberpet. This endeavor, which entailed the distribution of essential groceries, was executed in collaboration with the Society of Rural Development (SRD), an organization dedicated to uplifting underprivileged communities and ensuring access to necessities for those in need. The initiative served as a crucial support system for these families, who often encounter social stigma and economic hardships due to their condition.

The teams from APAL and SRD distributed food supplies to 28 families, ensuring that each household received adequate rations to sustain them. This distribution of groceries not only addressed immediate needs but also represented a compassionate gesture that underscored the commitment of APAL and SRD to the welfare of leprosy-affected communities. Through such outreach, M. Ramesh and the team aimed to provide relief and demonstrate solidarity with individuals affected by leprosy, reinforcing a sense of dignity and inclusion within the broader community.

This collaborative initiative underscores the impact of organizations like APAL and SRD in rural and marginalized areas. By addressing food security concerns for these families, APAL’s State Committee and its coordinator are contributing to a broader societal objective of breaking the cycle of neglect and stigma often associated with leprosy. Through these actions, they aspire to create a more inclusive and empathetic society, paving the way for a future where all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, can access basic resources and lead dignified lives.

On 4^th October 2024, APAL’s State Committee in Telangana, in collaboration with Sai Seva Samiti, organized a significant humanitarian effort aimed at supporting individuals affected by leprosy in Hyderabad. This compassionate initiative took place at Santhi Nagar Colony, a locality where many individuals impacted by leprosy reside. During the event, essential supplies such as food grains, clothes, and blankets were distributed to 100 people, helping to alleviate some of the hardships they face in their daily lives. Volunteers from Gandhinagar, Musheerabad, and Secunderabad came together for this noble cause, ensuring that those in need received the necessary resources to improve their quality of life.

APAL extends its heartfelt gratitude to Sai Seva Samiti for their invaluable service and dedication to supporting individuals affected by leprosy. Their active involvement in the distribution of essentials is a testament to their commitment to community welfare and service. Additionally, APAL would like to offer special thanks to Mr. Ramesh, the State Coordinator for Telangana, for his continuous and significant contributions to this cause. His tireless efforts in coordinating such initiatives have been instrumental in ensuring that those affected by leprosy receive the care and assistance they need. This collaborative endeavor highlights the importance of unity in service, bringing hope and relief to a vulnerable community.