Lepra

10/10/2026

For far too long, the hidden psychological toll and stigma of neglected tropical diseases have been overlooked. True recovery from a leprosy or lymphatic filariasis diagnosis means caring for the whole person, not just the physical symptoms.

Through ground-breaking initiatives like our Mind to Heart project, we are working to break the cycle of poor mental health, giving a voice to those affected and driving vital advocacy for holistic, person-centred care.

Read more about our recent advocacy successes and how we are transforming mental health support for communities in need: https://ow.ly/xYz650ZSB6t

Advocacy for people affected also remains a crucial element of support, which is helping the most vulnerable members of society overcome the social and financial challenges of a leprosy diagnosis.

09/10/2026

Leave a lasting legacy with Lepra's free Will writing service

Have you made a Will? If not, or if you need to update your existing one, Lepra offers a free Will service through the National Free Wills Network to anyone over 18 in the UK.

There’s no obligation to leave a gift to Lepra, but many choose to. In fact, one in three people we support is helped thanks to gifts in Wills.

lepra.org.uk/get-involved/our-free-will-writing-service

Bradley Photographyice

If you haven’t yet made a Will, or would like to update your existing one, Lepra offers a free Will-writing service through the National Free Wills Network to anyone aged over 18, living in the UK.

08/10/2026

When left untreated, leprosy can damage the nerves that control blinking and closing the eyelids (leading to conditions like lagophthalmos), or cause chronic inflammation inside the eye, putting people at a high risk of avoidable blindness.

On World Sight Day, we're raising awareness of how leprosy doesn't just affect the skin - the disease can also affect a person's vision.

Please help us reach more people affected by leprosy by donating today: lepra.org.uk/donate

📷 Tom Bradley Photography

07/10/2026

🌟LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE🌟

Don't miss out! Book now for the Adidas Manchester Marathon 2027 🎽

Every mile you pass and every sponsor you receive, will help transform the lives of people affected by leprosy and lymphatic filariasis.

lepra.org.uk/events/manchester-marathon

07/10/2026

The 2026 NNN Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, brought together global health practitioners and partners to reflect on the realities of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), sharing learning, experiences, and perspectives from across the community.

Alongside global health partners, Maria del Mar Marais, Head of Programme Management at Lepra; Taslima Akther, Chairperson of the Bogura Federation; and Md. Waheduzzaman Polu, Programme Manager at Lepra Bangladesh participated in this year’s event.

A major highlight was the record participation of 26 people affected by NTDs, who led the opening Community Panel. Emphasising once again that lived experience needs to be more than a voice we consult - people affected by NTDs should be actively shaping the conversations, priorities and decisions that affect their lives.

During the conference, Taslima and Polu contributed to developing the Terms of Reference for the ILEP Advisory Panel, an important mechanism for bringing lived experience into ILEP and strengthening the role of people affected within the wider NTD community.

In addition, Maria co-facilitated a workshop on putting into practice the Six Principles for Inclusion of people affected in Research and helped with the dissemination of the UPLIFT Manuals and Facilitation Guides: two new resources for Community Based groups and anyone working in global health or skin-related NTDs.

The 2026 NNN Conference was a conference with strong community participation, practical examples of integration, and an increasing emphasis on shared leadership. There was certainly lots to inspire us and to take forward for the work ahead.

06/10/2026

We were honoured to welcome representatives from the Sasakawa Leprosy -Hansen's Disease- Initiative to visit our projects, partners and teams in Bangladesh! 🤝

This visit was a wonderful opportunity to showcase our ongoing work including holistic care initiatives like the Mind to Heart project and the Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative Young Scholars Programme.

We are immensely grateful to the Sasakawa Health Foundation for their continued support for communities affected by leprosy in Bogura, and to the Bogura Federation, staff, volunteers, Young Scholars, mentors and community leaders for their inspirational dedication to the projects and the people they serve.

lepra.org.uk/news/article/sasakawa-health-foundation-visits-lepra-bangladesh

Lepra Bangladesh

From 22 to 23 September 2026, representatives from the Sasakawa Health Foundation (SHF) visited Lepra Bangladesh’s projects and community initiatives in Bogura, supported by the Foundation.

06/10/2026

Join Lepra for the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 🎽

Whether you are an experienced runner or have never thought about running an event before, all abilities are welcome to join this very special event.

Every mile you pass and every sponsor you receive, will help transform the lives of people affected by leprosy and lymphatic filariasis.

🔗 lepra.org.uk/events/rob-burrow-leeds-marathon

Take to the streets of Leeds and soak in some of the city's most scenic countryside

05/10/2026

❓ We often use the term neglected tropical diseases (or NTDs) when we talk about leprosy and lymphatic filariasis but do you know what it means?

🌍 The term refers to a varied group of conditions that affect over 1 billion people globally, mostly in tropical areas, which often have a disproportionate impact on people living in impoverished communities.

Read about NTDs here: www.lepra.org.uk/what-we-do/what-are-ntds

📷 Tom Bradley Photography

05/10/2026

Do come along to the New Face for Leprosy Exhibition at Colchester Library and Community Hub this October.

www.lepra.org.uk/events/detail/a-new-face-for-leprosy-at-colchester-library

Essex Library Service

02/10/2026

We're giving a huge round of applause to Damian who smashed the 2026 BMW Berlin Marathon 👏👏

Damian took on the iconic course to raise vital funds for Lepra, helping us continue our work transforming the lives of people affected by leprosy and lymphatic filariasis.

We're very much in awe of your achievement Damian, thank you so much for fundraising for Lepra.