Zero disability
NLR India implements program that aim at preventing persons affected by leprosy to develop new disabilities during or after treatment, and also prevent disabilities and worsening of existing disabilities for those at risk. Through our projects on capacity building of govt. functionaries and integration of self-care in PHC towards zero disability, we strengthen capacity of GHC staff in 7 states where we work, on prevention of disabilities via Training of Trainers (ToT) on self-care and approaches, prevention of disabilities, disability examination, monitoring and treatment of reactions and nerve function impairment, referral for reconstructive surgery, and facilitation of self-care groups (SCGs) etc. Working closely with the government, we facilitate and ensure that PHCs apply combined approaches i.e. leprosy and Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) /other NTDs for prevention of disabilities where ASHAs and health workers carry out monitoring regarding wound care, disability development; motivate patients to visit PHC in case of complications; and promote regular home based self-care, through regular home visits of persons affected, as initiated in West Bengal and Jharkhand, and also provide assistive devices and self-care kits in PHC through our project interventions. Through disability inclusive development (DID) projects, we facilitate in establishment of disabled people organizations (DPOs), empowering PWDs on their rights and entitlements, linking with government schemes, and facilitate in formation and functioning of Self-help groups (SHGs), create disable friendly villages in 11 selected villages in Aurangabad, Bihar in partnership with local Community-based organizations (CBOs). We identify and train potential youths from families affected by leprosy, as change agents, and leprosy champions for mainstreaming disability in society. The SHGs, village /block development committee (VDC/ BDC) been playing important role in advocating the rights and entitlements of PWDs including persons affected by leprosy in NLR supported states. The SHGs, VDCs, BDCs and DPOs have been playing important role in advocating the rights and entitlements of PWDs including persons affected by leprosy in NLR supported states.