Activating and Engaging Partnerships to Reduce Leprosy in Bangladesh (AEP)
Project is funded by AEP-Netherlands
The Activating and Engaging Partnerships to Reduce Leprosy in Bangladesh (AEP) project is a crucial initiative dedicated to tackling the significant issue of leprosy in Bangladesh. Scheduled to run from 2023 to 2027, this project employs a multifaceted approach that fosters collaboration among civil society organizations, government health systems, and local communities. Specifically, the AEP project focuses on 10 sub-districts across 2 districts, namely Chuadanga and Jhenaidah.
Through a comprehensive framework, the AEP project seeks to integrate leprosy services into mainstream health systems, thereby building sustainable partnerships and promoting advocacy for affected individuals. With coverage spanning multiple regions, the project targets significant populations, with the Netherlands segment focusing on 2 districts, encompassing 10 sub-districts and reaching over 169,201 households. This represents 20% of the total households in the area, benefiting an indirect population of approximately 647,980 individuals. The AEP project places significant emphasis on key activities designed to combat the transmission of leprosy and promote social integration among affected individuals. This includes the identification and treatment of hidden leprosy cases through collaboration with local NGOs, advocacy efforts aimed at sustaining leprosy services and support for individuals with disabilities, and engaging media platforms to raise awareness at both local and national levels. Furthermore, the project seeks to strengthen the capacity of government health workers in diagnosing and treating leprosy, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of health services.
Additionally, the project supports the National Leprosy People’s Organization (LPO) to advocate for community inclusion and the rights of those affected by leprosy. By focusing on these key activities, the AEP project aims to achieve significant outcomes, including reducing the transmission of leprosy in target regions, empowering affected individuals to improve their socio-economic status, and fostering collaboration among civil society organizations, government agencies, and local communities to provide comprehensive leprosy services.
The target beneficiaries of the AEP project encompass a wide range of individuals, including those affected by leprosy and their families, individuals at risk of contracting leprosy and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and vulnerable communities in regions where leprosy is endemic. The project’s key objectives align with its overarching mission, focusing on achieving zero transmission, zero disability, and zero discrimination. This will be accomplished through early detection and treatment, promoting social inclusion, and strengthening the capacity of government health systems and civil society organizations (CSOs) to address leprosy-related challenges at the community level. Economic empowerment is also a significant focus, with initiatives aimed at skill development, access to social safety nets, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for those affected by leprosy. Moreover, the project enhances the advocacy capacity of LPOs and other stakeholders to champion the rights and entitlements of individuals impacted by leprosy, fostering a more equitable environment.
The AEP project aligns with the Global Leprosy Strategy 2021-2030, contributing to global efforts to scale up leprosy prevention, integrate case detection, and combat stigma and discrimination associated with the disease. In addition, it supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 1 (No Poverty), through targeted health interventions and initiatives that empower economically marginalized communities. The stakeholders involved in the project include direct beneficiaries, such as individuals affected by leprosy, local government health departments, civil society organizations, LPOs, media, and private sector partners, including shoemakers and tea estate companies. Indirect stakeholders encompass wider communities, government policymakers, and NGOs engaged in health and disability sectors.
Through the comprehensive efforts of the AEP project, the expected outcomes include enhanced expertise and commitment to leprosy services among government and civil society, empowered individuals affected by leprosy equipped with resilient livelihoods, and strengthened capacity for innovation, research, and advocacy. By taking a holistic approach, the AEP project endeavors to create a sustainable and inclusive environment for communities affected by leprosy in Bangladesh, driving the country closer to achieving its goals of zero transmission, zero disability, and zero discrimination.