Building Resilience  for Better Life (BRBL)

Leprosy continues to be one of the most stigmatized diseases worldwide, with deep-rooted misconceptions and discrimination often leading to social exclusion of affected individuals and their families. In Bangladesh, despite significant progress in treatment and prevention, stigma and lack of awareness persist, particularly in rural areas. Persons with disabilities also face challenges in accessing rights and opportunities, often due to similar social barriers. With the government’s vision of building a leprosy-free Bangladesh by 2030, The Leprosy Mission International Bangladesh (TLMIB) launched the Learning 360 Project. Since July 2021, under the coordination of the Bangladesh YWCA, the project has been implemented in four working areas: Matlob North, Matlob South, Hajiganj and Chandpur Sadar of YWCA Chandpur and it is still ongoing. The project is focused on enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by leprosy and promoting community awareness.

Learning 360 emphasizes creating inclusive, informed, and empowered communities by

• Raise awareness on leprosy and disability rights.
• Combat stigma and discrimination through education, dialogue, and media campaigns.
• Support affected individuals and families with educational, vocational, and livelihood opportunities.
• Build capacity of volunteers, teachers, youth and field workers to sustain awareness and support systems.
• Strengthen government coordination mechanisms by engaging with the Civil Surgeon’s office and local health authorities to ensure effective implementation of leprosy and disability-related programs.
• Sensitize government health workers (at district and upazila levels) on early case detection, treatment and referral systems for leprosy, while promoting stigma-free patient care.
• Enhance collaboration between YWCA, TLMIB, and government health structures to ensure sustainability of awareness and treatment initiatives beyond the project period.
• Promote policy-level awareness within government institutions to align with the national goal of a leprosy-free Bangladesh by 2030.

Summary Activity Report on Leprosy and Disability Rights Initiatives 2025

YWCA of Bangladesh, through its Chandpur branch, is implementing a series of initiatives to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide direct support to individuals and families affected by leprosy and disabilities.

Awareness sessions are being organized in 14 schools across Chandpur Sadar, Hajiganj, Matlob South, and Matlob North, engaging about 620 students and teachers. These sessions highlight the rights of people with leprosy and disabilities and are featured in local newspapers such as Chandpur Darpan and Chandpur Jamin, as well as on National My TV and Global TV. A workshop with more than 30 young women and teachers from the YWCA Nursery and Volunteer School further strengthens discussions on leprosy, disability, and related rights.

World Leprosy Day is observed under the theme “Environment of Dignity, End of Leprosy Stigma” with the participation of around 35 community members at the YWCA Chandpur office. Additional awareness programs include a seminar for 22 field workers at the BRAC Regional Office in Matlob North, a seminar for nearly 30 YWCA staff facilitated by a medical expert from The Leprosy Mission International Bangladesh (TLMIB), and a session with about 20 members of the Sacheton Nagorik Committee (SNC) focusing on community roles in leprosy prevention and awareness. Twenty volunteers also receive specialized training from TLMIB’s project officer to enhance community-based support.

An interfaith dialogue brings together 28 participants, including Christian, Buddhist, and Muslim leaders, along with local officials and YWCA staff, to encourage collective action against leprosy stigma. At the same time, public awareness is being reinforced through ongoing campaigns in newspapers and television.

YWCA also provides direct support to families affected by leprosy. Educational assistance, including school fees and supplies, is extended to 23 students. Vocational support is given through sewing training, provision of sewing machines, poultry farming assistance, and small business startup items. Youth members are engaged in skills development, with seven receiving computer training and one individual taking private car driving training.

Essential supplies are distributed to vulnerable families, including specialized footwear for seven individuals and 23 blankets provided through local government offices. Community surveys identify 13 new leprosy patients, all of whom are receiving appropriate medication and follow-up care.

Through these integrated initiatives—awareness building, community dialogue, vocational empowerment, and direct support—YWCA of Bangladesh is working to eliminate leprosy stigma, strengthen disability rights, and improve the wellbeing of affected individuals and their families