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Nepal Leprosy Trust (NLT) exists to
empower people affected by leprosy
and other marginalised groups to
participate with equality and dignity
in their own communities
Coping with rejection and overcoming physical
impairments are some of the most pressing
concerns for those served by NLT. For this
reason, NLT emphasises empowerment of the
individual for life in the community, as well as
the prevention of impairment and disability
(POW). The work comprises five main
programmes:
NLT built and now operates a major Leprosy
Services Centre (LSC) at Lalgadh, in Dhanusha
district, south Nepal - the area in Nepal where
leprosy is most endemic. During 2000, 24,564
people visited the Centre as out-patients. It
provides:
a. Examination and diagnostic services - for a
range of leprosy-related and general conditions.
b. In-patient and Out-patient treatment services,
including: multi-drug therapy, treatment of
reaction and complications, reconstructive surgery,
POID services, foot care and physiotherapy.
c. Recording, reporting and following-up.
Lalgadh
LSC now records a large proportion of all the new
leprosy cases identified in Nepal (1597 new cases
in 2000).
One of the most innovative projects is to provide Self-Care Training to those cured medically of leprosy. This equips them practically and psychologically to re-adapt to community life. Individuals are taught to cook and farm safely, and to carry out daily routines (such as wound-care and exercise) in ways that minimise the risk of further injury.
Community-Based Empowerment & Rehabilitation projects are being pioneered to equip those who are marginalised to take the initiative in issues affecting their own lives.
3. Community Mobilisation & Capacity Building NLT helps to train and support the Nepali government’s own ‘grass-roots’ health workers and volunteers for more effective leprosy control in several districts. All future work will focus increasingly on community participation.
NLT carries out a range of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities to alert village communities to the early symptoms of leprosy and other leprosy-related issues. This helps build a supportive society for individuals and families affected by leprosy.
A recent initiative aims to train and mobilise local community groups to undertake IEC activities themselves, using street drama - a popular and proven means of communication in Nepal. An important feature is that people affected by leprosy are involved as actors and actresses. During 2000, 345,185 people attended 1065 street drama performances in the five districts around Lalgadh.
4. Income Generation Projects
NLT operates several income generation
projects, to provide employment for disadvant-
aged groups and to generate profits to support
its social welfare activities. The craft items
produced are either exported or sold locally.
1. Himalayan Leather Handicrafts
manufactures high-quality leather goods.
2. Himalayan Batiks produces some 300 batik
designs - most depicting facets of Nepali life.
3. Lydia Industry offers training and employ-
ment to disadvantaged women, A variety of
fabric products and greetings cards is made.
4. Himalayan Handicrafts Shop in Kathmandu
provides a retail outlet for the craft items made
by NLT and other ‘fair trade’ organisations.
5. A bee-keeping project was recently started to help retired NLT workers in Kathmandu.
6. Lydia Trading (Pvt) Ltd is NLT’s export arm.
7. NLT assists individuals on the verge of destit- ution, by helping them set up small-scale income generation projects in farming or tailoring, etc.
8. Nepal Leprosy Trust Services Ltd, registered in the UK, markets and sells the goods produced by NLT Nepal and other ‘fair trade’ organisations.
5. Social Welfare Projects
Lydia Children’s Fund is a sponsorship scheme that enables disadvantaged children to remain with their families and receive an education.
A Financial Assistance Scheme provides help to disadvantaged women, senior citizens, people affected by leprosy and others unable to provide for themselves.
HOW IT ALL WORKS
NLT, a Christian initiative to serve the people of Nepal, is registered as an NGO in Nepal and as a Charity in the UK and Irish Republic. In Nepal, it is an indigenous organisation, governed by respected Nepali professionals/ managers. NLT in the UK and Ireland support the objectives and work of NLT Nepal through communications, administration, receiving of funds and the provision of expatriate workers to Nepal where appropriate. Expenses are minimal, since office space is provided free to the Trust and most work is carried out by the Trustees and unpaid volunteers. In Nepal, NLT employs or supports about 170 Nepalis and is committed to the active involvement of those affected directly or indirectly by leprosy.
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Gillian McCutcheon
NLT, Nepal Leprosy Trust
245 Morell Dale
Naas
Co. Kildare
045)894881 / 087-9530901
OR
Nepal Leprosy Trust
P0 Box 96, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 521622/ 523322; Fax: +977 1 226820
Email: NLT®mail.com.np
The International web page of NLT is at NLT
Published by Nepal Leprosy Trust, July 2001.
NLT is a Registered Charity (no. 1081952) and a Company limited by
guarantee (no. 4046961), registered in England & Wales and is
also registered as a charity in Ireland
