Lack of knowledge about Leprosy has led to the perpetuation of misinformation and misconceptions resulting in a deep-rooted and widespread stigma against the disease and those affected. The negative perception of the disease is manifested in discrimination against and exclusion of not only the leprosy-affected but also their families and a denial of their basic human rights. Special and concerted efforts need to be made to eradicate social stigma. Societal mindset has to be changed through awareness generation and advocacy.
To tackle this problem S-ILF has developed a multi-faceted approach that reaches out to people in all walks of life such as educational institutions, media, policymakers, social influencers, parliamentarians, lawyers and social activists, government institutions, and as well as corporate houses.
S-ILF engages in awareness building to sensitize different sections of society to the needs of persons affected by leprosy and their families so that they are treated without discrimination and to demonstrate through successes of those who have struggled against all odds, that change is not only desirable but feasible too. It also engages in advocacy to ensure a legal and institutional framework that in no way discriminates against the rights of the leprosy-affected as equal citizens of the country. It also helps the community to be covered under social security schemes.
Corporate Outreach through CII
Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation signed a MoU with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on 3oth January 2020. The key objective of this MoU was to seek a CII partnership to communicate and build awareness about leprosy in the corporate sector. S-ILF was provided an opportunity to engage with CII membership in the regions through an interaction with the Chairman, Mr. Tarun Das and CEO, Dr. Vivek Lal. Through 16 such meetings of the regional and state councils, S-ILF has been able to reach out to more than 500 corporate members.
S-ILF Samvaad- An initiative to reach out to the leprosy colonies
The Covid pandemic and ensuing lockdown have restricted our movement in the field but not our resolve and determination to serve the persons affected. In the current scenario, the world is running through online means to continue its work. S-ILF Samvaad is an initiative to reach out to the Leprosy colonies across the country.
It is a dialogue between the residents of the leprosy colonies and our team as we try to understand the problems and issues being faced and collective decision-making can help to bring about change.
The first such dialogue of S-ILF Samvaad was organized in Nashik, Maharashtra on the occasion of the inauguration of our regional office. Till now, we have reached out to colonies in the states of Delhi, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra through online means. S-ILF Samvaad is a means to stay connected with the community we serve.