NEWS & EVENTS

*Medical Camp for Persons Affected by Leprosy*

To provide free health check-ups and medicines to improve the well-being of persons affected by leprosy

APAL, in collaboration with HOF, conducted a Medical Camp on 13th August 2025 (Wednesday) at Shantinagar Colony Community Hall, Pedda Amberpet, benefiting 100 persons affected by leprosy.

The camp was organized in the presence of Mr. M. Ramesh, APAL’s Coordinator in Telangana. HOF representatives — Mrs. Aruna, Mr. Anantharam, and Mrs. Rani — facilitated the Mini Medical Camp, during which Dr. Rudramadevi from the Government Hospital conducted Sugar and BP tests and provided medicines.

Mr. Shantiraju, DPMO, and Mr. Yadagiri, Lab Technician from Abdullahpurmet PHC, conducted sugar tests. ASHA Worker Vanaja, Colony President M. Samuel, V. Dominic, and residents of the colony actively participated in the program.

Advocacy Meeting with Chief Secretary and Revenue Secretary, Government of Odisha.    

APAL’s State Committee in Odisha, along with Mr. Prabhakar Sahoo, Board Member of APAL, visited and met on 11th August 2025 with the Chief Secretary of Odisha and the Revenue Secretary. The discussion focused on land rights, housing, livelihood, and healthcare issues concerning the leprosy-affected community.

A 200-page memorandum detailing these concerns and recommendations was presented during the meeting by Prabhakar Sahoo and Jayant Pradhan.

APAL Advocacy Intervention at Jesus Grace Leprosy Colony, Gannavaram, Andhra Pradesh.

As part of its ongoing commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of persons affected by leprosy, APAL recently intervened in response to the severe challenges faced by the residents of Jesus Grace Leprosy Colony in Gannavaram.

Upon invitation, an APAL representative Mr. Prakash Done Treaurer of APAL, visited the colony and was made aware of several critical and complex issues brought forth by the residents. These included:

1. Land disputes and insecure tenure

2. Lack of official colony registration

3. Non-issuance of UDID cards to persons with disabilities

4. Suspension of ration benefits due to the absence of government-recognised identity documents

5. Inadequate facilities for ulcer dressing and basic medical care

One of the most urgent concerns was the absence of proper medical facilities for ulcer treatment, which poses serious health risks for residents. The APAL representative assured the community that these concerns would be strongly taken up with Sasakawa Health Foundation (SHF) and relevant authorities.

Recognizing that land tenure is a foundational issue, APAL reaffirmed its responsibility to actively engage with government authorities to seek resolution and ensure long-term security for the residents.

In a distressing recent incident, some residents were attacked by outsiders with knives. The APAL representative personally visited the victims and extended moral and legal support. In collaboration with SHF, and under the leadership of Mr. Narasappa and Mr. Venugopal, RPWD-2016 awareness booklets—originally printed with SHF’s support—were distributed among the youth to promote awareness of their rights.

Furthermore, the representative guided the youth in drafting a formal complaint letter and accompanied them, along with other residents, to the local police station. A direct conversation was held with the Circle Inspector (CI), resulting in the official registration of an FIR.

This intervention underscores APAL’s unwavering commitment to the safety, rights, and dignity of persons affected by leprosy, and reflects the power of community-led advocacy when backed by strategic partnerships and legal frameworks.

On 5^th August 2025, The State Committee of APAL in Jharkhand successfully organized a special camp at Navjeevan Ashram in Jamshedpur to support the welfare of individuals affected by leprosy. During the camp, a total of 110 national pension beneficiaries were issued their Life Certificates, an essential document required to continue receiving pension benefits. This important service was provided directly by the Director of Social Security, Jamshedpur, ensuring a smooth and official process for all eligible beneficiaries.

The event was held in the presence of Mr. Zainuddin, State APAL, Coordinator of Jharkhand, who played a key role in facilitating coordination between government authorities and the community. This initiative reflects APAL’s ongoing commitment to ensuring access to government entitlements for persons affected by leprosy and their families. The camp not only provided a critical service but also reinforced the importance of inclusion and dignity for marginalised individuals through direct engagement with state institutions.

APAL and Sasakawa Health Foundation Coordination Meeting at Hotel Pullman in Delhi on 2nd August 2025

A meaningful coordination meeting was held in Delhi between the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) and the Sasakawa Health Foundation (SHF). Representatives from both organizations participated actively in the discussions.

The meeting focused on key future plans and strategies aimed at improving services in the leprosy sector. Topics included strengthening youth leadership through the development of youth forums, enhancing rehabilitation efforts for persons affected by leprosy, building strong social alliances, and working towards sustainable, long-term solutions.

The dialogue was productive and filled with a shared commitment to continued collaboration. All participants expressed satisfaction and optimism about the path forward.

Inaugurated Annual book and brouchers of APAL by Prof. Takahiro Nanri and his team.

On 1st August 2025, the Executive Committee of the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) held a full-day meeting at Hotel Kabli, Delhi. The meeting began with a warm welcome by Ms. Maya Ranavare, followed by a powerful presentation of APAL’s 3-year achievements in advocacy, leadership development, rehabilitation, and partnerships. Members appreciated the visual presentation and the collective impact of APAL’s work across the country. Updates on participation at the Global Forum in Bali were key highlights, like commitment letters and recommendations to stakeholders.

The committee also discussed plans for the upcoming activities, future strategic priorities, including youth forums and economic empowerment, and the urgent needs of the organisation, such as strengthening state-level infrastructure and staff capacity. The day concluded with a strong sense of unity, purpose, and gratitude, as members reaffirmed their commitment to advocate for the rights and dignity of persons affected by leprosy.

Permanent Employment Facilitation for Sweepers Jobs through Rights-Based Advocacy of APAL

To advocate for and ensure the regularisation of employment for sweepers, including individuals affected by leprosy, by engaging with government authorities through a rights-based approach, thereby promoting dignity, security, and social inclusion in the workforce.

On 28th July 2025, through the continued efforts and rights-based advocacy of APAL’s State Committee in Delhi, a total of 336 sweepers were granted permanent employment in the MCD House, Delhi. Notably, among them, 8 individuals affected by leprosy received permanent job appointment letters.

The Mayor of Delhi MCD, along with the Deputy Mayor, Leader of the House, District Commissioner (DC), and Additional District Commissioner (ADC) Shri Anil Kumar ji, officially handed over the appointment letters to the sweepers during a formal ceremony.

Mr. Vijay Kumar, Delhi State Coordinator of APAL, was present at the proceedings and expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the dignitaries and officials involved in this significant achievement.

APAL’s Advocacy Visit and Civic Rights Representation at Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad Municipal Corporation Lok Adalat

To advocate for the rights and welfare of persons affected by leprosy by engaging with municipal authorities to address key civic issues.

On 23rd July 2025, Members of APAL (Association of People Affected by Leprosy), along with local colony leaders, actively engaged with the Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad Municipal Corporation to advocate for the rights and welfare of persons affected by leprosy. A delegation visited the municipal headquarters and participated in the Lok Adalat held at the corporation hall named after Padma Bhushan Dr. Vasantraodada Patil. During this engagement, they met with the Municipal Commissioner and various department officials to raise pressing issues concerning vulnerable colonies such as Indira Colony, Ambewadi Colony, and the entire Sangli Force Colony area.

Key demands included an increase in the corporation pension for persons affected by leprosy, addressing the lack of proper housing, and solving the long-standing drinking water pipeline issues that have been affecting daily life in these colonies. The APAL representatives and community leaders made a strong appeal for immediate and sustained action, emphasizing the need for dignity, health, and basic civic rights for all people affected by leprosy in Sangli.

This initiative demonstrates the grassroots leadership and commitment of APAL in ensuring the voices of marginalized communities are heard at the administrative level, and that structural solutions are implemented to improve their quality of life.

APAL’s Advocacy Visit to the Directorate of Family Welfare and Health in Andhra Pradesh

The objectives are to promote health inclusion through ulcer care services and social inclusion through AASHA job opportunities for children of persons affected by leprosy.

The State Committee of APAL (Association of People Affected by Leprosy) in Andhra Pradesh  submitted a memorandum to Dr. Padmavathi, the Director of Family Welfare and Health, urging the government to strengthen ulcer care services for persons affected by leprosy. In the memorandum, APAL highlighted that although the Health Department is currently conducting medical camps once or twice a month and providing dressing materials, the support is limited and only lasts for about three days. Given the continuous and urgent need for ulcer care, the Committee strongly appealed for more frequent and regular services—preferably once in every three days—to effectively address the health needs of those living with leprosy-related complications.

Additionally, APAL raised an important issue concerning the employment of AASHA workers. The Committee requested that the government allocate AASHA posts to the children of people affected by leprosy who meet the required qualifications. This initiative would not only provide livelihoods to the families of persons affected by leprosy but also promote inclusion and representation in the public health workforce. Dr. Padmavathi responded positively to the requests and assured the delegation that she would make sincere efforts to address these concerns at the earliest possible time. On this advocacy activity, from the state committee.

On 08-07-2025 (Tuesday), the state committee of APAL (Association of People Affected by Leprosy) in Telangana met and submitted a formal memorandum to the newly elected BJP State President, Shri N. Ramachandra Rao. The committee congratulated him on his recent appointment and expressed hope for strong and inclusive leadership under his guidance. The memorandum emphasized the pressing need to support persons affected by leprosy and other disabilities, particularly in terms of financial assistance. One of the key demands was a request to increase the monthly pension for persons with disabilities by ₹6000, to ensure a life of dignity and minimal economic security.

The petition, was formally submitted by the APAL’s State Committee with representation from key state leaders, including Maniyda Ramesh, M. Samuel, V. Dominic, and J. Akash. During the meeting, the committee highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by persons affected by leprosy in Telangana, especially those living in colonies and marginalised settings.