2nd CBR World Congress, K.L. Malaysia Leprosy stigma reduction through participation of Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs) Suresh Dhondge

Institutional Stigma Social Self

Problem Statement: Self & Social Stigma Guilt & Shame Lack of Participation Excluded from Other Disabilities Not availing schemes and benefits Misconceptions about leprosy Unemployment

Objective: - To assess the effectiveness of the involvement of Disabled Peoples’ Organizations (DPO) on reduction of leprosy stigma

Methodology : This study is held at The Leprosy Mission Trust India, Inclusive Holistic Development of Individuals with Disabilities Project , Dt.Amravati, Maharashtra which is supported by CBM India Trust Collect baseline data about Participation of people affected by Leprosy Explain the concept of Disabled People Organization Sensitization on Disabilities Groups are formed in 75 villages of project area Links these DPO for Schemes and entitlement, advocacy and Panchayat Raj institutions Measure the changes after intervention of DPO

Source : TLMTI Kothara Hospital Data Result : People affected by leprosy and other disabilities empowered, they availed various benefits and living with dignity Particulars Achievements Remarks DPO Formed 75 Inclusive Groups Disability Certificates 560 Essential to avail any scheme Travel Concession 359 75% concession Disability Pension 298 Rs. 600/- per month Housing Scheme 61 2 lacks for each house Aids and Appliances 42 Assistive devices Livelihood Loan 34 Rs. 30,00,000/- Rain Water Harvesting 318 villages Two blocks Achalpur & Chilkhaldara Organic Farming 110 People affected by leprosy and other disabilities Advocacy Advocacy for Transportation, 3% quota from Gram Panchayat funds, Loans, Pension, Antyodaya Ration Cards, Gram Sabha, Stigma Reduction and Early Identification of leprosy Champions 15 Leprosy cured people working for the cause of leprosy like champions Source : TLMTI Kothara Hospital Data

Conclusion Inclusive DPO are very effective tools in the community for stigma reduction of leprosy When stigma will reduce from the society than we can achieve our dream for “World Without Leprosy”

Acknowledgements Disabled Peoples Organizations of Amravati district Dr. Annamma John, Head –Research, TLMTI Ms. Tina Mendis, Head – Livelihood & Empowerment CBM India Trust The Leprosy Mission Trust India People affected by Leprosy