Advocacy

Our Advocacy initiatives aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and empower marginalized communities through a concerted effort to advocate for policy changes, access to healthcare, and social inclusion.

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Advocacy Highlights

Awareness Campaigns

One of the core components of our advocacy efforts has been the implementation of awareness campaigns aimed at educating the general public about leprosy. These campaigns have targeted various platforms, including social media, local communities, and educational institutions, to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding the disease. By utilizing informative workshops, distribution of educational materials like BCC, flipchart, pictural message, visual presentation, different media communications, billboards, etc. and engaging storytelling. These initiatives have not only informed people about leprosy but also encouraged community discussions that foster understanding and acceptance.

Policy Engagement

TLMIB has actively engaged with local and national policymakers to advocate for the inclusion of leprosy services within the broader health system. We have successfully organized a series of roundtable discussions and consultations with key stakeholders, including government officials and health authorities. Through these dialogues, we highlighted the need for comprehensive leprosy services, which led to the inclusion of leprosy in the national health agenda. Our advocacy has contributed to increased funding and resources for leprosy treatment and care, ensuring that affected individuals receive the necessary support.

Empowerment of Affected Individuals

Central to our advocacy work is the empowerment of individuals affected by leprosy. TLMIB has facilitated capacity-building trainings, orientations, workshops for local Leprosy People’s Organizations (LPOs) to enhance their advocacy skills and enable them to effectively represent their communities. These interventions have equipped LPO members with tools for effective communication, negotiation, and leadership, allowing them to engage with stakeholders and advocate for their rights confidently. The impact of these training sessions is evident, as LPOs have successfully influenced local policies and garnered support for community-led initiatives.

Collaboration with Civil Society

We recognize that collaboration is essential for effective advocacy. TLMIB has formed strategic partnerships with various civil society organizations, NGOs, and grassroots movements to amplify our advocacy efforts. Through these collaborations, we have coordinated joint campaigns, shared resources, and exchanged best practices, resulting in a unified voice for individuals affected by leprosy. Our collective efforts have raised public awareness and garnered support from diverse sectors, including education, healthcare, and human rights.

Monitoring and Evaluation

TLMIB has implemented a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the effectiveness of our advocacy initiatives. This framework allows us to track progress, gather feedback from stakeholders, and adjust our strategies accordingly. Our evaluations indicate that our advocacy efforts have led to increased community awareness, improved access to leprosy services, and a notable reduction in stigma towards affected individuals. These outcomes reaffirm our commitment to creating lasting change in the lives of those impacted by leprosy.

Projects under Advocacy

  • Activating and Engaging Partnerships to Reduce Leprosy in Bangladesh (AEP)- Netherlands

    The Activating and Engaging Partnerships to Reduce Leprosy in Bangladesh (AEP) project is running from 2023 to 2027, targets leprosy in Bangladesh through collaboration with civil society, government health systems, and local communities on 10 sub-districts in Chuadanga and Jhenaidah. It aims for zero transmission, disability, and discrimination by focusing on early detection, treatment, social inclusion, and strengthening local health systems, while promoting economic empowerment. Aligned with the Global Leprosy Strategy and SDGs, the project enhances leprosy services and advocacy for a more equitable environment.

    More About AEP
  • Learning 360° – Learning for Change and Resilience

    Learning 360° is a transformative project led by The Leprosy Mission International-Bangladesh (TLMI-B) aimed at improving the socio-economic and health conditions of people affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and disabilities. Funded by INTERACTION and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the project operates in 23 districts across Bangladesh through eight sub-projects under the TLMI-B umbrella. Launched in 2021, Learning 360° focuses on empowering individuals through timely access to quality health services and socio-economic opportunities, contributing directly to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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  • Activating and Engaging Partnerships to Reduce Leprosy in Bangladesh (AEP)-Great Britain

    Activating and Engaging Partnerships to Reduce Leprosy in Bangladesh (AEP) project funded by Great Britain from 2023 to 2027combats leprosy in Bangladesh by building partnerships between civil society organizations, local communities, and government health systems. With the core objective of achieving Zero Transmission, Zero Disability, and Zero Discrimination, AEP aims to mainstream leprosy case detection, treatment (including multi-drug therapy or MDT), complication management, and the provision of assistive devices. The project further supports hospital services, preventative chemotherapy (PEP), and socio-economic initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of those affected by leprosy. The project operates across 11 districts and 35 sub-districts, benefiting 205,888 people directly and 2126496 indirectly. AEP forms 165 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and 25 Federations to drive advocacy, social integration, and socio-economic development through micro finance and skill building programs which address community level sustainable change.

    More About AEP-Great Britain

Success Stories

Dreams Beyond Barriers: Anupoma’s Journey to Becoming a Doctor

Kumari Anupoma Rani, a 17-year-old student from Gaibandha district, overcame financial challenges and earned a GPA of 5 in her Secondary School Certificate exams with the support of the Learning 360° project. The project provided her with educational materials and tuition support, enabling her to excel academically. Anupoma now dreams of becoming a doctor and serving the underprivileged, expressing gratitude to TLMI-B for their continuous support.

Saw Aung Marma: Integrated into Society

Sa Aung Marma, a 60-year-old farmer from Bandarban, was once ostracized due to his leprosy diagnosis. After receiving treatment through the Learning 360° project, Sa Aung was able to reintegrate into his community, receiving government disability allowances and social services. His story reflects the transformative impact of modern leprosy treatment and community support in fostering inclusion and dignity.