Our Work
Together for Health and Dignity
For over 130 years, we have been delivering on the same promise: to support individuals and communities affected by neglected tropical diseases like leprosy—bringing hope, healing, and restoration where it’s needed most.
Together, with our partners, we create culturally-relevant, sustainable programs that positively impact the lives of people in need. By working together, we bring crucial healthcare to people in remote areas of Asia and Africa so no one is left behind.
We partner with governments and trusted local organizations across communities in the Global South—where neglected tropical diseases steal lives, limit opportunities, and deepen poverty.
Our work reaches individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of faith, and strengthens public health systems so people can thrive within their own communities.
Why We Do It
Unseen. Untreated. Unjust.
Globally, 1.6 billion people (that’s 1 in 5 people) are affected by NTDs. And they’re called “neglected” for a reason. These diseases disproportionately affect the world’s most underserved people and communities.
The Cost of Neglect
NTDs not only cause illness and disability, but they destroy livelihoods and tear families apart. These diseases seed discrimination and isolation while trapping people in a cycle of poverty.
Called to Compassion
We cannot stand by and let people suffer needlessly from treatable and preventable diseases. We believe that God calls us to intervene in this broken world as agents of restoration and hope. We work with our committed supporters here in Canada and our partners in the countries where we serve to be champions of hope.
How We Do It
Together with partners, we create culturally-relevant, sustainable programs that positively impact the lives of people in need. By working together, we bring crucial healthcare to people in remote areas of Asia and Africa so no one is left behind.
People Centred Care
Early detection is one of the best approaches to reducing the burden of NTDs. We work with communities to prevent, detect, and treat these diseases.
Health System Strengthening
NTDs predominantly impact people living in poverty, on the margins of society. Our programs increase awareness of NTDs and reduce social stigma for people who are affected, so they can seek treatment. With your help, we can overcome the challenges of disease, disability and discrimination.
Community Empowerment
We support and empower people and communities affected to advocate for themselves, raise awareness and participate in government-led programs to control NTDs.
Research
We seek out the best solutions and innovations that make the biggest difference for people and communities affected by these diseases. Whether it’s a new technology, medical discoveries, or just better ways to deliver care, we continue to adapt and innovate to meet the needs of the community.
Where We Work
We prioritize locally-led solutions, working alongside communities affected by NTDs to co-create sustainable solutions that promote health, dignity, and inclusion.
Canadian Roots Global Reach
From our headquarters in Markham Ontario, Canada, we partner with governments and trusted local organizations across communities in the Global South where neglected tropical diseases steal lives, limit opportunities, and deepen poverty.
India accounts for the highest number of cases in 11 out of the 20 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) identified by the WHO. It also reports over half of all new leprosy cases globally each year. These diseases disproportionately affect people living in poverty, perpetuating marginalization. In response, we collaborate with partners to deliver comprehensive health services and expand access to education, aiming to break this cycle and improve the lives of families impacted by NTDs.
Programs:
Liberia’s health system, weakened by years of conflict, still struggles to address neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affecting thousands. Together with the Ministry of Health, we are strengthening the public health system by training healthcare workers, improving supply chains, and removing barriers to care. By 2027, we aim to ensure every person in need of NTD care in Liberia can access it where and when they need it.
Programs:
Pathways to Equity
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), we aim to strengthen Community Support Groups (CSGs) to support individuals affected by NTDs. We focus on building sustainable health support systems through improved governance, financial independence, and partnerships. Our project establishes a structured system where peer helpers offer emotional support, CSG leaders monitor health, and referral systems link members to healthcare providers.
Programs:
We are committed to transforming care for people affected by neglected tropical diseases in Nigeria by integrating physical health, mental health, and community empowerment. Through innovative research, capacity building, and participatory approaches, we are creating a new model of holistic care and lasting community resilience for affected people and communities in Nigeria.
Programs:
In Côte d’Ivoire, we are making peer support groups for people affected by skin-related neglected tropical diseases more effective and sustainable. This is achieved by emphasizing social inclusion, livelihoods support, advocacy, and improved access to healthcare. By addressing these areas, we aim to empower affected individuals and enhance their quality of life.
Programs:
Community-Based Groups (CBGs) help people with neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) but often lack mental health support. In Ethiopia, we are creating a scalable model that adds mental health peer counseling to improve outcomes. Using trials and input from affected communities, we aim to develop a proven care approach to shape future global NTD strategies.
Programs:
We are conducting a research initiative aimed at strengthening person-centred care for the integrated management of mental health and NTDs in Ghana. Recognizing the intertwined nature of physical illness, stigma, and mental distress, we seek to co-produce integrated, community-based strategies with affected individuals, health workers, and policymakers. Our work in Ghana will generate critical evidence to guide sustainable, inclusive, and scalable interventions across health and social systems.
Programs:
View our work in action
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