AEP-Great Britain

Activating and Engaging Partnerships to Reduce Leprosy in Bangladesh (AEP) Project funded by Great Britain from 2023 to 2027, project focuses on combating 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 spans 11 districts and 35 sub-districts, with direct beneficiaries numbering 205,888 and indirect beneficiaries accounting for 20% of the total population in the target areas, approximately 2,126,496 people. AEP also establishes 165 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and 25 Federations to support advocacy, socio-economic development (such as micro-finance and skill development), and social integration efforts in the community.
Project Activities: AEP covers a wide range of services to address leprosy holistically, including:
Detection and Treatment: Collaborating with local NGOs and GOs to find and treat hidden cases of leprosy.
Advocacy: Promoting ongoing local leprosy services and supporting individuals with permanent disabilities.
Media Engagement: Raising awareness about leprosy locally and nationally through various media channels.
Government Capacity Building: Enhancing the skills of government health workers to diagnose, treat, and manage complications from leprosy.
Empowering LPOs: Strengthening the capacity of the National Leprosy People’s Organization to advocate for inclusion and the rights of people affected by leprosy.
Objectives: AEP has the following core objectives:
Enhanced Collaboration: Strengthen cooperation between government and non-leprosy civil society organizations (CSOs) to bring leprosy services closer to affected communities.
Empowerment and Livelihoods: Empower individuals affected by leprosy to build more resilient livelihoods through skill development and access to socio-economic safety nets.
Capacity for Innovation: Improve organizational capacity to conduct research and foster innovation to address leprosy.
Alignment with Broader Goals: The AEP aligns with The Leprosy Mission International Bangladesh (TLMIB)’s five-year country strategy, focusing on Zero Transmission, Zero Disability, and Zero Discrimination. The project is also in line with the Global Leprosy Strategy 2021-2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 1 (No Poverty). The project contributes to improving the socio-economic status of individuals affected by leprosy and enhancing the involvement of civil society in delivering leprosy services.
Key Outcomes: The anticipated outcomes of the AEP project include:
Improved Leprosy Services: Increased expertise and commitment from government and CSOs to work together and provide more accessible leprosy services in target communities.
Empowered Communities: People affected by leprosy and disabilities will have improved socio-economic resilience and stronger livelihoods.
Strengthened LPOs: Leprosy People’s Organizations will have a stronger voice in advocating for the rights of individuals affected by leprosy at the local, district, and national levels.
One of the project’s central goals is to promote social inclusion and integration through community-based organizations such as SHGs and federations. By fostering advocacy and socio-economic empowerment, AEP helps to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with leprosy. Additionally, the project supports the development of livelihoods through micro-finance programs, vocational training, and access to social safety nets.
The AEP project collaborates with local NGOs, government health departments, private sector partners (such as shoemakers and tea estate companies), and media organizations to ensure comprehensive leprosy services are provided. This partnership-driven approach ensures that leprosy services are not only integrated into mainstream healthcare but also sustained at the community level through local advocacy and resource mobilization.
By 2027, the AEP project expects to have significantly contributed to reducing leprosy transmission in Bangladesh. The project aims to empower individuals affected by leprosy, strengthen the capacity of local health systems, and foster sustainable development in leprosy-endemic areas. Through integrated advocacy efforts, improved partnerships, and enhanced service delivery, AEP will contribute to achieving the long-term goal of Zero Leprosy, Zero Disability, and Zero Discrimination.