The Executive Committee (EC) members of the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL), along with Dr. Ranganadh Rao, Program Advisor of Sasakawa Health Foundation (SHF), recently visited several leprosy colonies in Odisha. The visit aimed to gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by persons affected by leprosy and their families. The delegation interacted with the residents, discussing their current living conditions and the availability of social entitlements such as disability pensions, housing, healthcare, and educational support. Through these interactions, the team sought to identify gaps and explore viable solutions to improve the socio-economic status of the affected communities.

Ms. Maya Ranavare, President of APAL, Mr. Jawahar Ram Paswan, Vice President of APAL, and Mr. Prabhakar Sahoo, Executive Member of APAL, played instrumental roles during the visit. They engaged directly with the colony residents, listening to their concerns and providing assurance of continued advocacy for their rights. The discussions also focused on enhancing access to essential entitlements and addressing systemic barriers that hinder the well-being of leprosy-affected individuals. Dr. Ranganadh Rao shared insights and strategic recommendations to empower the community and integrate them into mainstream society. This collaborative effort reflects APAL’s commitment to fostering dignity and equality for persons affected by leprosy in Odisha and beyond.