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.