About Leprosy
Did you know that India accounts for 54% of new leprosy cases detected globally? WHO statistics state that of the 254,000 new cases of Leprosy detected annually (2008). About 45% of these are women and nearly 15% children.
Leprosy damages nerves in the hands, feet and face affecting muscle function and sensation causing tissue damage, ulcers and deformity.
Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae and can affect anyone who does not have the resistance to it. The irony is that it is one of the least infectious diseases and being bacterial in nature, can be treated relatively easily. Within 6 – 24 months of commencement of treatment, patients are completely cured.
But it is much more than a physical disease - it is a human rights issue leading to terrible social exclusion and injustice. They are not invited to weddings even by friends and family. They often lose their jobs. They cannot confidently get into public transportation or restaurants. Leprosy victims truly understand what ‘Untouchability’ means.
What is Project Blossom?
Project Blossom aims to raise funds for reconstructive surgery for the leprosy afflicted.
Leprosy victims often have twisted and ‘clawed’ hands, unblinking eyes and Foot drop - all visible signs of the disease. Surgery helps them open their hands, shut their eyes and lift their feet, and do things we take for granted– like holding a cup of tea. Project Blossom hopes to help their lives blossom again as their hands open up like a flower in bloom.
Partner Organization - The Leprosy Mission India
- Founded in 1874. One of the largest NGOs in India
- 18 hospitals/ 1,170 beds
- Over 1,200 reconstructive surgeries performed every year
- Unique and high level of expertise in reconstructive surgeries
- 4000 cataract surgeries performed annually
- 6 Vocational Training Centers/ Over 20 Community Based Rehabilitation Projects
Expenditure Involved
- Approximately Rs.15000 that includes
- Surgery
- In-patient stay for 3 to 4 weeks
- Physiotherapy- Pre & Post Operative
- Occupational therapy
Support from Rotarians and others has been very heartening and the first set of 21 surgeries were completed this month. Surgeries took place at TLM hospitals at Vadathorasalur, (near Ulundurpet) and Dayapuram (near Mana Madurai). Of these patients 12 were less than 35 years of age and three were under 16 years of age. Surgeries performed corrected deformities of the hands, feet and eyes and will be followed by sustained physiotherapy and vocational therapy for the patients over the next 6 months.
Dist 3230 hopes to perform 365 surgeries this year and help at least one life to ‘blossom’ every day of the year.
BEFORE SURGERY
AFTER SURGERY
Rtn. M. Vennimalai Chairman
Project Blossom