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Comprehensive Rehabilitation for 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.

Goal
The project aimed to enhance access to healthcare, rehabilitation services, and social inclusion for affected individuals.

Key Interventions
  • 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.
Our Activities
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.