Self-Care Project In Bihar & UP

The project, commonly called “MMZ Project” has envisaged to improve the health of persons affected by Leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF) in rural India. The project has planned to achieve the following milestones:

To enable leprosy and lymphatic filariasis affected persons to take care of their disabilities through self-care
To capacitate the general health care staff of Primary Health Centers on nerve function assessment (Sensory Testing & Voluntary Muscle Testing) and identification of entry points, swelling measurement and prevention of acute attacks in LF to prevent disability and disability management through self-care.
To create a network of trainers to give training on self-care to persons affected by leprosy and lymphatic filariasis
To support the reconstructive surgeries of needy persons (affected by leprosy and lymphatic filariasis)

The MMZ- project is being implemented in three districts in the state of Bihar (Aurangabad, Bhojpur and Nawada) and 3 districts of Uttar Pradesh (Kannauj, Unnao and Kanpur Dehat) of India. The total number of PHCs to be covered in this project is 61.

Our Approach

It is not just the physical effects of leprosy which devastates lives. The prejudice that people experience is separating them from society and excluding them from full participation in all ways of life, causing many affected and disabled by leprosy to feel ashamed and worthless.

A barrier to treatment

Not only physical effects of leprosy have an impact on the persons affected by this disease, but other consequences are felt even long after treatment of the disease. Social stigma and discrimination are major barriers for equal participation at community level and in wider society. This terrible stigma is also a barrier to treatment. Many people hide away, avoiding a diagnosis for fear of its consequences.