PROYASH Project– Accelerating Leprosy Services  

Proyash project is a comprehensive health system strengthening initiative that operates across eight districts in Bangladesh. Building upon the success of the previous phases supported by Effect Hope since 2013, Proyash-phase 4 is dedicated to serve nation’s vision of zero leprosy transmission, disability, and stigma. The project focuses on the three core strategies-enhancing the quality of healthcare services, enhancing active case finding, and expanding access to the services for affected communities.

This project is currently being implemented in three regions covering eight districts- Area 1 (Gaibandha, Joypurhat), Area 2 (Dhaka, Gazipur, Munshigonj, Narayangonj, B.Baria, Cumilla), Area 3 (Nilphamri, Rangpur, Thakurgaon, Panchagor)

In collaborating with government stakeholders and community-based organisations, the project integrates capacity building, community engagement, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, empower affected communities, early intervention strategies and sustainable system development to achieve ‘zero leprosy transmission’. Proyash is establishing an attainable model for long-term leprosy care that can be tailored to the diverse context through comprehensive training programs, advocacy, and health care initiatives.

Despite significant progress in Bangladesh, still an annual detection rate: 22.31% per million (2022), New child detection rate: 4.73% per million, Grade 2 Disability rate: 5% (declining since 2020) which are the major scope of work. The Proyash project is aligned with the World Health Organisation’s Neglected Tropical Diseases Roadmap, Global Leprosy Strategy, National Leprosy Program (NLP) to establish a sustainable framework for leprosy care in Bangladesh.