India
Our Work in India
India is home to nearly 1.5 billion people and is renowned for its rich diversity in culture, language, and landscape. Despite a growing economy, 84 million people still live in ultra-poverty, and almost 600 million are considered below the poverty line. India carries the highest burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the world, which disproportionately impact those living in poverty and rural communities where healthcare infrastructure is limited. The country accounts for more than half of newly identified leprosy cases and over one-third of new cases of lymphatic filariasis.
Limited awareness of these diseases means that every day, people suffer the physical, mental, and social consequences without access to timely and appropriate care. Many are unaware of the severity of these conditions, while others choose to hide away to avoid the stigma that often follows.
We are working to remove barriers to critical NTD services so every person can access the care they need, when they need it.
India at a Glance
- Over 56% of all leprosy diagnoses happen in India.
- India accounts for 47% of the global population requiring preventive chemotherapy for lymphatic filariasis.
- According to World Bank 35% of the population live in poverty.
- There is one government hospital bed for every 2,704 people.
- 21 million people in India live with some form of disability according to a 2021 census in India.
India at a Glance
- Over 56% of all leprosy diagnoses happen in India.
- India accounts for 47% of the global population requiring preventive chemotherapy for lymphatic filariasis.
- According to World Bank 35% of the population live in poverty.
- There is one government hospital bed for every 2,704 people.
- 21 million people in India live with some form of disability according to a 2021 census in India.
Programs in India
The Leprosy Mission Hospital Naini
Northern states, such as Uttar Pradesh, in India tend to have the most significant number of leprosy cases due to higher populations. This is where The Leprosy Mission Hospital Naini is located. Your support ensures that people affected by neglected tropical diseases, including those affected by leprosy, experience fewer health problems, receive best possible health care, and learn about their rights and how to access them. We also provide high quality medical services at affordable rates for non-leprosy related services.
Premananda Memorial Leprosy Hospital
People affected by leprosy and disabilities living below the poverty line in Kolkata and Sundarbans include many internal migrants. Because they are away from home, they face additional challenges in accessing timely community-based affordable health services. Many vulnerable people in this area have limited knowledge about self-care, their rights, social supports, and how to claim them. With your help, we can support people affected by disabilities and leprosy to enjoy dignified and empowered lives through better access to holistic health care and other social services.
Stanley Browne Laboratory
When it comes to understanding and ending leprosy, there are many unanswered questions. Questions about disease transmission, early detection and treatment, and how best to address the social challenges posed by this disease. Our partners at the Stanley Browne Laboratory are among the world’s most qualified leprosy researchers. They are working hard to answer these questions. You can support research that will help end leprosy transmission, prevent disabilities and alleviate discrimination of people affected by leprosy and other neglected tropical diseases.
The Leprosy Mission Institute of Paramedical Sciences
The Leprosy Mission Institute of Paramedical Sciences at Naini Hospital in India is training future physiotherapists to help people affected by leprosy and other disabilities regain mobility and independence. Through a four-year degree program, students receive hands-on clinical experience and learn to deliver compassionate, specialized care to those most in need. By focusing on both education and practical skills, the institute is building a new generation of healthcare professionals who will serve underserved communities and strengthen disability care across India.
ASPIRE
In Bihar, ASPIRE is tackling skin-related neglected tropical diseases in an integrated way. The program brings together local health workers, government, and affected communities to find hidden cases, provide timely treatment, and support people living with these diseases. ASPIRE empowers community groups to help with self-care, advocacy, and local disease monitoring, making sure that care is accessible and stigma is reduced. By strengthening health services and involving the community, ASPIRE has improved detection, treatment, and support for thousands of people, and is now working to make these changes sustainable and led by the government for long-term impact.
HEAL
In Uttar Pradesh—the most populated and impoverished state in India—leprosy is still a harsh reality. Entire families, especially children, are trapped in cycles of stigma, disability, and poverty. Schools often exclude children affected by leprosy or disability. Community voices go unheard. Dignity is denied. Many of these children live in rural villages where even access to clean water and education can be out of reach. Leprosy is more than a disease—it’s a life sentence of social rejection unless we intervene early, boldly, and holistically.
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