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vietnamese

 Integrated Rehabilitation for People with Leprosy-Related Disabilities

From April 2020 to October 2021, VNHIP, in collaboration with the Research Center for Inclusion (RCI) and local health authorities, implemented a project to improve the quality of life for people affected by leprosy-related disabilities in Da Nang city, Vietnam.

The project aimed to enhance healthcare access, rehabilitation services, and social inclusion for affected individuals. Key interventions included:
✔ Training 70 medical staff on early detection and care for leprosy-affected persons.
✔ Providing rehabilitation aids and equipment to support mobility and self-care.
✔ Establishing a community-based rehabilitation center for long-term treatment.
✔ Organizing social events and educational support to improve social integration.
✔ Advocating for policy improvements to ensure continued support for leprosy-affected persons.
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Despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and local approval delays, the project successfully benefited 596 individuals, strengthened healthcare capacity, and fostered greater community inclusion for people affected by leprosy.
Key Activity Groups of the Project

1. Strengthening Healthcare & Rehabilitation Services
  • Training 70 medical staff on early detection, treatment, and disability care for leprosy-affected persons.
  • Conducting screenings and health checks to identify and support new cases of leprosy.
  • Providing rehabilitation aids and equipment such as wheelchairs, walking frames, and exercise tools.
  • Establishing a community-based rehabilitation area for long-term treatment and support.
2. Enhancing Social Inclusion & Support for Families
  • Organizing social events (Vietnamese Family Day, International Disability Day) to foster community engagement.
  • Providing school scholarships for children from leprosy-affected families.
  • Supporting livelihoods and food aid to improve economic stability for affected households.
3. Community Empowerment & Capacity Building
  • Establishing a core community group to coordinate local initiatives and provide peer support.
  • Training local villagers and caregivers on communication, problem-solving, and support skills.
  • Setting up a community library to provide educational resources and encourage learning.
4. Policy Advocacy & Awareness Raising
  • Hosting policy dialogues with local authorities to advocate for better healthcare and social services.
  • Raising awareness through training and campaigns to reduce stigma and discrimination.
  • Documenting best practices and lessons learned to support future initiatives.
These activities collectively contributed to enhancing healthcare access, strengthening community inclusion, and advocating for long-term support for people affected by leprosy.