Message from the Director's Desk . . . . .

Since inception, Bombay Leprosy Project (BLP) have taken up

several pioneering steps in the field of leprosy management and
constantly exploring new avenues and undertaking more
initiatives that will further boost our programme.

As an organization with significant contributions to the scientific

aspects of leprosy, we have maintained high standards of efficacy
in the leprosy management thereby enhancing the impact of our
interventions in a sustainable manner.

Our approach is defined by a range of institutional and community

based initiatives to provide holistic care for the people affected by
leprosy with a special focus on disabled, women and children that
is capable of bringing changes in their lives.

Gaining from our 44 years of work experience and looking forward

to the journey ahead, we are poised to walk the road to a
promising future to envision a “World Without Leprosy”.

Today, our target beneficiaries, the people affected by leprosy and

their families stand as inspiring examples of the remarkable
Dr. Vivek V Pai
Director transformation through our dedicated leprosy services rendered
with compassion that can bring hope for the next generation to
live in a leprosy free society.

We thank all our stakeholders - our beneficiaries, the Government

of India, State Governments, NGOs, ILEP, WHO, Medical Colleges
and Research institutions, corporates, donors, partners, and the
community at large - who have extended unwavering support to
us in all capacities, making our aspirations achievable.

As we embark on our commitment to build on the roadmap for

another decade of leprosy relief work, I invite you to be a part of
our endeavours and enriching the lives of people affected by
leprosy in our country.
Our achievements in the fight against leprosy

An overview of our initiatives and programs

Ÿ Since 1976, Bombay Leprosy Project (BLP) is engaged

in leprosy control activities in partnership with the
National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP)
and allied stakeholders in health and social sector in
collaboration with Government, national and
international NGOs and WHO.
Ÿ Specialized leprosy services such as bacterial
Ÿ Our field based programmes reach to about 2 million diagnosis, medical treatment (Multidrug Therapy
people, predominantly the poor and underprivileged and newer drugs), management of complications
communities living in the slums of Mumbai (G – such as lepra reactions and disabilities,
North; G – South and H wards of Birhan Mumbai physiotherapy, disability aids like MCR sandals; pre-
Municipal Corporation [BMC] as project area). We fabricated splints a d dressing kits, counselling and
also have outreach programmes in the adjoining rehabilitation support are provided to all persons
rural areas of Thane and Raigad districts of with leprosy free of cost.
Maharashtra, which are endemic for leprosy.
Ÿ Leprosy cases from all over Maharashtra and even
Highlights of our programs from other leprosy endemic states in India such as
Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Odhisa attend
Ÿ Since beginning, we have screened about 8 million these referral centres. Expert medical guidance are
population for signs and symptoms of leprosy also offered to leprosy cases with complications
through door-to-door survey and community referred by practicing doctors and dermatologists.
awareness campaigns and examined about 2 lac
suspects of leprosy identified by the community
volunteers in the project area.

Ÿ Our medical and paramedical teams have diagnosed

and cured more than 40,000 new leprosy cases with
medical treatment and treated more than 20,000
people with disabilities due to leprosy.

Ÿ We run a chain of 10 leprosy referral centres as well Ÿ Our teams also conduct task oriented training to all
as satellite clinics spread across Mumbai catering to categories of public health personnel including
both new and cured leprosy cases and those with medical students, both under and post graduates
various types of disabilities. from Mumbai and other districts of Maharashtra.

Ÿ As a part of our research initiatives, we have

undertaken several clinical trials with newer drugs
for leprosy to achieve rapid bacterial cure within a
short span of time and operational research to
experiment simple and innovative methods to
achieve leprosy elimination and reduce the burden
of disabilities due to leprosy.