NEWS & EVENTS

A delegation from the APAL’s State Committee in Odisha convened with Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Tuesday to address the dire circumstances of the numerous leprosy victims in the state. The delegation emphasized the urgent need for the government to improve living conditions for these individuals due to insufficient medical facilities and healthcare, resulting in severe hardships for many patients.

The delegation informed the Chief Minister that there are over 50 leprosy patient colonies in the state, lacking essential amenities such as clean drinking water, proper sanitation, and adequate housing. They stressed the necessity for the government to promptly address these issues and provide improved living conditions for the affected individuals.

Financial constraints prevent many patients from obtaining proper treatment, and the delegation requested the government to offer free medical care and financial assistance to these individuals. Furthermore, they urged the implementation of welfare schemes specifically benefiting leprosy patients and their families.

Assuring the delegation of the government’s commitment to improving the lives of leprosy patients, Chief Minister Manjhi instructed concerned officials to promptly address the raised concerns. He also announced the government’s ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive plan for improved healthcare facilities and support for leprosy patients statewide.

The meeting, attended by various officials and members of the APAL’s State Committee concluded with the representatives expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister for his swift response and assuring their support in implementing the proposed welfare schemes.

On the 5th of August 2024, Jawahar Ram Paswan, the Vice President of APAL, held a meeting with Rajeshwar Mandal, the charge of the TISCO Community Center. The primary focus of this meeting was to address vital initiatives aimed at the betterment of children from leprosy-affected families residing in 20 ashrams of Jamshedpur. The discussions centred on the integration of these children into mainstream society, with a specific emphasis on education, sports, and employment opportunities.

The meeting also delved into the challenges encountered by children who have completed their education but are currently inactive at home. Rajeshwar Mandal affirmed his commitment to supporting these children, ensuring that they have access to the necessary resources and opportunities to pursue further education, engage in sports, and seek employment. His collaboration seeks to empower these children, enabling them to build a more promising and inclusive future.

On Sunday, 4th August 2024, Bishop Durgam Prabhakar, the Founder and President of Bethesda Ministries, orchestrated a compassionate blanket distribution initiative aimed at assisting 40 underprivileged families in B.B. Nagar Leprosy Colony. The occasion was graced by the esteemed presence of Bolla Venkat Reddy, Joint Nalgonda District D., and C. Yam. Yes, Chairman, who participated as the chief guest. They personally distributed blankets to the recipients, offering essential solace and warmth.

Maniyada Ramesh, State Coordinator of APAL, delivered an address during the event, shedding light on the inadequate infrastructure within the colony. He articulated concerns regarding the absence of proper drainage systems, sanitation facilities, and well-constructed roads. Furthermore, he highlighted the challenges posed by malodorous conditions and mosquito proliferation resulting from the lack of appropriate waste disposal facilities near the colony. He underscored the urgent necessity for ameliorations and pledged to actively pursue resolutions.

The event also witnessed the participation of several prominent individuals from the BB Nagar Leprosy Society, including Vice President Ellamma Morrigadi Narsimha, Secretary Veeramushti Anjaneyulu Pentaiah, Ym. D. Aziz, Somaiah, Lingamallu Upender, Pastor Kondeti Lazar, Pastor Erpula Christopher, Palvai Ajay, Kishan Kumar, Chindam Venkatesh, and others. Their involvement exemplified the community’s solidarity and dedication to addressing the adversities confronted by the residents of the leprosy colony.

On the 1st of August 2024, the President of APAL, Ms. Maya Ranavare, and the Treasurer, Mr. Prakash Done, visited the Brighter Future Development Trust (BFDT) and met with BFDT’s Director, Mr. Victor Parisipogula, and Manager, Mr. Prasad Chowdary. This meeting held great significance as it signified a crucial step towards strengthening the support system for individuals affected by leprosy. The discussions revolved around several critical issues, including the necessity for improved medical support to guarantee timely and effective treatment for leprosy patients. Additionally, there was an exploration of ways to enhance nutrition support, acknowledging the significance of adequate nutrition for the overall health and well-being of those affected by leprosy.

The discussions also underscored the importance of stronger social protection measures to uphold the dignity and rights of leprosy-affected individuals. Both organizations stressed the need for social entitlements to ensure access to necessities and opportunities for a better quality of life. Another focal point of the discussion was education support for children living under the shadow of leprosy. Both APAL and BFDT acknowledged the importance of providing these children with educational opportunities to break the cycle of poverty and the stigma associated with leprosy.

The meeting was highly productive, with both APAL and BFDT committing to future collaborative and dedicated work to address these pressing concerns. The partnership aims to create a comprehensive support system that addresses the medical, nutritional, social, and educational needs of those affected by leprosy.

APAL and its team expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the BFDT authorities for their warm invitation and friendly hospitality. The cooperative spirit demonstrated by BFDT reinforced the shared commitment to improving the lives of those affected by leprosy and their families. This collaboration signifies a promising future where both organizations can pool their resources and expertise to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals affected by leprosy.

30^th July 2024, The APAL’s state Committee in Jharkhand, comprising APAL Vice President Jawahar Ram Paswan, Jharkhand State Coordinator Mohammad Zainuddin, and APAL Jharkhand Leader Shri Madhusudan Tiwari, participated in the LCDC meeting convened at Nepal House in Ranchi.

The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Principal Secretary of the Department of Women Child Development and Social Security, Government of Jharkhand; the Secretary of the School Education and Literacy Department, Government of Jharkhand; the Secretary of the Panchayati Raj Department, Government of Jharkhand; the Senior Regional Director of Patna Bihar; the Director-in-Chief of Health Services, Jharkhand, Ranchi; representatives from the Indian Medical Association, Jharkhand, Ranchi; the State Leprosy Prevention Officer, Jharkhand,

Ranchi; the State Program Manager of the National Health Mission, Jharkhand, Namkum, Ranchi; the State Nodal Officer of State Sahia Koshang; Dr. Siddharth Bishwal, NLEP Coordinator, NLR; Dr. Abhishek Paul, State Coordinator, WHO, Jharkhand, Ranchi; Dr. Gautam, State Coordinator, DFIT; and the Nodal Officer of the IEC Cell. The APAL Organization Jharkhand, Ranchi, also took part in the meeting.

The meeting involved a comprehensive discussion on effectively conducting the program by the Government of India’s guidelines for the implementation of the initial phase of the Leprosy Detection Campaign (LCDC) 2024, sanctioned for the fiscal year 2024-25. The APAL leaders actively engaged in the discussion, emphasizing the urgent needs of their community. One noteworthy demand made by the APAL leader was the provision of dressing kits in the leprosy colonies of the state, where such provisions were currently lacking. This demand was earnestly considered and endorsed by the authorities, representing a positive stride towards enhancing healthcare facilities for individuals affected by leprosy in Jharkhand.

On 30th July 2024, APAL conducted a General Body meeting of APAL’s State Committee of Andhra Pradesh( Society of Leprosy Affected Persons (SLAP-AP) with the support of Brighter Future Development Trust (BFDT) and Lepra Society. The meeting was chaired by Maya Ranavare, President of APAL, and took place at the Bapatla Leprosy Colony in Guntur. This collaborative effort aimed to address the needs and concerns of people affected by leprosy, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among attendees.

During the meeting, discussions proceeded smoothly, covering a range of topics crucial to the socio-economic empowerment of individuals affected by leprosy. Participants actively engaged in dialogues, sharing their experiences and insights, which contributed to a productive and positive atmosphere. One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the election of new state committee management members. This new committee is poised to bring fresh energy and dedication to their roles.

The newly elected members expressed their commitment to serving the community with unwavering dedication. They promised to work tirelessly to improve the lives of those affected by leprosy, focusing on initiatives that promote their social and economic well-being. This meeting marked a significant step forward in APAL’s ongoing efforts to empower and uplift the leprosy-affected community in Andhra Pradesh.

30^th July 2024, In partnership with the Sasakawa India Leprosy Foundation (S-ILF), the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) and its State Committee in Andhra Pradesh, known as the Society of Leprosy Affected Persons (SLAP-AP), convened a significant collaborative meeting at Bethany Leprosy Colony in Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh. Chaired by Ms. Maya Ranavare, President of APAL, with the support of S-ILF, the event brought together key figures from both APAL and S-ILF, facilitating in-depth interactions with 76 individuals affected by leprosy from 49 leprosy colonies. The primary focus was to share the vision and ongoing activities of both organizations, while also addressing the immediate concerns of the community.

Throughout the meeting, leaders and representatives from APAL and S-ILF delineated their strategic objectives and current initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for those affected by leprosy. Ms. Maya Ranavare underscored the pivotal role of unity and collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges faced by the leprosy-affected community. Key figures from S-ILF, including Ms. Chandra Kiran, the Program Head, provided insights into successful projects and programs that have had a positive impact in other regions, with the aim of replicating these successes in Andhra Pradesh.

Attendees, including individuals affected by leprosy, had the opportunity to voice their concerns and share the pressing issues they currently face, such as challenges related to healthcare access, social stigma, and economic opportunities. This open dialogue fostered a comprehensive understanding of the community’s needs, enabling APAL and S-ILF to tailor their strategies and interventions more effectively to address these concerns.

A notable aspect of the event was the unveiling of the annual report book of APAL. This publication not only chronicled the achievements and activities of the past year but also served as a testament to the ongoing efforts and commitment of the organization to improve the lives of leprosy-affected individuals. The collaborative meeting at Bethany Leprosy Colony exemplified the dedication of both APAL and S-ILF to closely engage with the community, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. By fostering a spirit of cooperation and shared purpose, the event underscored the potential for transformative change through collective action. Both organizations pledged to continue their partnership, focusing on advocacy, resource mobilization, and program implementation to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for those impacted by leprosy in Andhra Pradesh.

On 28th July 2024, the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) held a significant general body meeting of the State Committee in Telangana with the support of S-ILF. This gathering marked a crucial moment for the organization as new Executive Members were elected to lead and serve the community. The event was filled with a sense of renewal and commitment as the newly appointed leaders promised to dedicate their efforts to the socio-economic empowerment of individuals and families affected by leprosy.

The elected management emphasized their dedication to improving the quality of life for their community. They outlined plans to enhance support systems and develop initiatives aimed at fostering greater economic opportunities and social integration. This change in leadership signals a hopeful future for APAL as they continue to advocate for and uplift those affected by leprosy, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met with compassion and efficiency.

On 28th July 2024, the Sasakawa India Leprosy Foundation (S-ILF) and the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) held a collaborative meeting in Hyderabad, Telangana, with support from S-ILF. The event brought together representatives and participants from 21 leprosy colonies across Telangana, focusing on addressing the current issues faced by these communities and exploring potential solutions.

Key figures at the meeting included Mr. Gaurab Sen, CEO of S-ILF, Mrs. Maya Ranavare, President of APAL, Mr. Prakash Done, Treasurer of APAL, Ms. Chandra Kiran, Program Head of S-ILF, and Mr. Ramautar from S-ILF, along with their respective teams. The gathering also included 38 individuals directly affected by leprosy, ensuring that the discussions were grounded in real experiences and needs.

During the meeting, the authorities engaged in meaningful dialogues with participants, emphasizing the importance of understanding the unique challenges within each colony. Topics ranged from healthcare access and infrastructure improvements to social stigma and economic empowerment. The collaborative atmosphere encouraged the sharing of ideas and fostered a sense of solidarity among attendees. The session concluded with a commitment to implementing actionable strategies that address the immediate needs of the leprosy-affected communities. By strengthening their partnership, S-ILF and APAL aim to create a supportive network that not only addresses current challenges but also paves the way for sustainable development and inclusivity in the future.

On July 25th, 2024, a collaborative endeavor was undertaken in Telangana, involving NTPC, ADP, the Lepra Society, APAL, and the State Committee. The event’s primary objective was to distribute essential self-care kits, tubs, and MCR footwear to 45 individuals afflicted by leprosy in Nursing Hyderabad, Telangana. The self-care kits and tubs were generously sponsored by NTPC, while ADP provided the MCR footwear.

APAL expresses profound gratitude to these organizations for their invaluable support to individuals grappling with leprosy-related wounds and ulcers. Special acknowledgement is extended to Mr. Ramesh Maniyada for his active distribution participation and compassionate support for the leprosy community. This event signifies a noteworthy stride towards enhancing the quality of life for people affected by leprosy, underscoring the potency of collaborative efforts and compassion.