Why Support the Lepers
The emotional toll is profound for those with leprosy. Being rejected by family and society leaves deep scars. Many struggle with loneliness, hopelessness, and a diminished sense of self-worth. Basic necessities such as food, clean water, and clothing are often scarce. Many depend on occasional charity or long hours of begging to meet their daily needs. Torn or insufficient clothing is common, leaving them exposed to discomfort, illness, and indignity. They have no choice but to beg in the streets for used outfits and leftover food.
Understanding Leprosy
Leprosy often strikes harder in marginalized populations: tribal communities, scheduled castes, remote rural areas. Stigma and discrimination remain big challenges. Many lepers often face huge socio‐economic disadvantage: poor housing, little access to mainstream services, high levels of disability among residents. The study in 2024 found unmet needs in 129 colonies across seven states in India.

