The Health Care covers the project interventions related to addressing the physical needs of persons affected by leprosy ranging from case confirmation, treatment, disability care and complication management at the field and hospital. It is one of the key thematic areas targeted for zero transmission that eventually contributes to other strategic aims. The outcome of this thematic intervention will directly contribute to the strategic goal of the Bangladesh Government for leprosy i.e., “Zero Leprosy by 2030”. Achieving this vision requires a comprehensive, functional and fully integrated response to leprosy management.
TLMI-B as a development partner is actively supporting the National Leprosy Program (NLP) under the Healthcare theme through the following initiatives:
- Awareness campaign (through Media, Health Professionals, IEC materials)
- Identification of new leprosy cases (contact surveys, extended contact surveys, skin camps),
- Complication care in the field of prevention of disability (PoD) services, and
- Complication management and care at the Hospital
In addition, interventions also include improving the capacity of govt. health workers to strengthen the government health system for leprosy, social inclusion and partnering with non-leprosy NGOs for improving leprosy knowledge, referrals and mainstreaming leprosy services. TLMI-B and its partners play a crucial role in the identification and referral of approximately 60% of new leprosy cases in the country annually. TLMI-B is also supporting the National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) by implementing tuberculosis control activities in two districts.