Fight the Stigma of Leprosy: Stand With Women Like Bina

Right now, most people have little knowledge of the harm leprosy causes in many parts of the world. More than 200,000 people are newly diagnosed every year and millions live with permanent disability as a result of the disease. But for women like Bina from Nepal, leprosy has not only devastated her health, it has also torn apart her family.

Bina, a mother of three young sons, was diagnosed with leprosy ten years ago, at a government clinic. At first she tried to hold her family together by hiding the diagnosis from her husband and his family.

She couldn't keep her health a secret forever though. When they found out her husband's family started to beat her, saying she had brought shame on the family. Then her husband left her.

Left alone, sick, and with three young children to care for, Bina had few options.

That's where The Leprosy Mission stepped in, providing her with a loan for 5000 rupees so Bina can work towards supporting herself and her sons, instead of relying on hostile relatives.

For Bina and women like her facing leprosy, the road is still long and difficult, but small steps like a loan, access to job training, or even a simple pair of shoes to wear to work can make a world of difference.

Take action today: Add your name and together we can raise awareness of the devastation leprosy causes… and the simple solutions that can change the lives of women like Bina for good.