The Leprosy Mission’s 150th Anniversary

Running the last leg of the race to end leprosy

In 2024, The Leprosy Mission is celebrating 150 years since we were founded in 1874 by Wellesley and Alice Bailey.

This year we will be celebrating the achievements of the heroes who have gone before us in the fight to defeat leprosy. As we celebrate their achievements, we also accept the baton from them on the final leg of this long race to end one of the world’s oldest diseases.

Arm in arm with persons affected by leprosy, we want this 150th anniversary to be a launchpad towards a world where no one is diagnosed with leprosy again, where no one lives with disability because of this preventable disease, and where no one faces discrimination because of a leprosy diagnosis.

We have all the tools we need to make that world a reality. Even more so, we have faith in the God who has taken us this far and will take us on to a world without leprosy.

Watch the animated history of The Leprosy Mission

The Leprosy Mission’s Heroes

Join us in celebrating individuals from across the world who have contributed to our goal of a world without leprosy. From 1874 right up to 2024.

See our heroes ›

Our History

Read about our history, from the early days up to our vision for the future.

Read more ›

Be inspired by this call to run the last leg of the race to end leprosy

A picture of a world without leprosy

A woman from Nepal in a headscarf looks at the camera© Rabik Upadhayay Fasmina and Dhanmati are a picture of a world without leprosy. Both were diagnosed quickly and started MDT Treatment right away. Neither developed impairments and they live a life without leprosy stigma. A world without leprosy means more stories like these.

Find out how we will create a world without leprosy ›