Leper Care & Support
Often considered a “biblical age” disease, Leprosy still exists in many places around the world. Even though breakthroughs have come, the disease continues to be a challenge for countries like India. India now accounts for 60% of the globally reported new cases of leprosy (Indian Dermatology Online Journal, March 2018). For centuries, those suffering from leprosy have been treated as outcasts in India. There is a stigma medically and socially. Due to this, those who suffer end up poor, begging for their livelihood, and many lack food, shelter, medical treatment and employment. While Lepers can avail themselves of some medical treatment from the government, they don’t always follow through, as medicines are expensive. If some assistance is given for basic needs, this provides significant relief to other areas of their lives. Compassionate Hands International, in cooperation with its international partner, sponsors a Leper Outreach in Hyderabad India. These 100 Lepers receive assistance on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month with a nutricious meal, groceries, clothing, and time of community fellowship. Each person receives a grocery bag with: 5 Kilos of Rice, 1 Kilo of Sugar, 1 Kilo of Dal (lentil) and 1 liter of cooking oil. There is also be counseling, prayer and referral services to avail of their government benefits.
