Lepra, India and Covid.

India is in a state of medical emergency. The second surge of COVID-19 has hit the country like a tidal wave, and the health system is collapsing under the pressure. Lepra has initiated an emergency COVID-19 vaccination programme targeting the most vulnerable in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, but we urgently need your help to expand this service across India. Find out more here.

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Over 400,000 new cases were reported on 30 April, the biggest one-day increase on record for any country.  There were another 3,500 deaths nationwide on the same day.  The official number of infections in the country soared past 20m on Monday.  Although daily cases have declined from a peak of more than 400,000 on Friday, testing has also fallen significantly. There are growing concerns that both the Government and private health care system simply cannot bear the weight of demand. Oxygen is running short and most hospitals are beyond capacity.   On the 1st May, all adults above the age of 18 in India became eligible for vaccination, an estimated 800 million people.  So far, fewer than 10% of people in India have had a COVID vaccination.  You can help!   Of greatest concern is the situation for vulnerable communities, and in particular those affected by leprosy. In a recent interview with BBC Essex, Geoff Prescott, Lepra’s CEO, said, “People with leprosy are already at the bottom of the global health system. They are subjected to social isolation, discrimination and rejection at every turn. COVID-19 has exacerbated this in all countries, not just India.” You can listen to Geoff's full interview here.  Abdul Nasar, a 50-year-old leprosy patient, has been living with leprosy for 10 years and is disabled. He travelled to his nearest government hospital and stayed overnight waiting for 3 days. He was then turned away. Abdul says, “They want us to register on the government portal, but I cannot understand it. I am afraid. I am worried I will not receive my vaccination.” £19 pays for 1 person in a vulnerable situation to receive both jabs. This covers all associated costs of transport, and information, education and communication (IEC) about COVID-19. Support Lepra today, and help us to reach even more people in rural areas and vulnerable communities to access the vaccine. Donate now.

Jupudi, a 60 year old woman suffering from lymphatic filariasis, tells Lepra how difficult she has found it to access the vaccine.

To keep abreast of the evolving COVID-19 situation in India, and our progress delivering the vaccine, keep an eye on our emergency appeal webpage.

Many countries, including India, are finding testing very challenging. A partnership between Lepra and effect:hope is providing mobile COVID-19 testing to marginalised people affected by leprosy living in rural and hard to reach areas. Read more.

The Pavers Foundation, a long standing corporate partner of Lepra, has donated a further £5,000 to support our shoe van project in India. Lepra shoe vans travel to isolated and rural areas of India, to provide custom made protective shoes for damaged feet caused by leprosy and lymphatic filariasis. Read more.

It was with great sadness and regret when Lepra learnt of the passing of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke of Edinburgh has been a long-standing supporter of Lepra, along with Lepra’s patron Her Royal Highness, Her Majesty The Queen. Learn more about The Duke of Edinburgh's legacy with Lepra.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, evidence is now showing that up to 80% of new cases of leprosy in India could be missed this year, with only 8,720 new leprosy cases reported between April and September 2020, compared to about 22,000 new cases reported for the same period last year. It is difficult for people with leprosy to come forward for diagnosis and treatment ordinarily, for fear of discrimination, but widespread lockdowns in India and Bangladesh where Lepra operates, and the temporary closure of certain medical services, has made it even more challenging. Read more.