After seeing people with leprosy living on top of sewage pipes, in mud huts, and under bridges in the slums of Delhi, the HOPE foundation was inspired to take action, creating the Village of HOPE in 1993. With 19.5 acres of land provided by the government in India, the foundation built 800 homes and essential facilities to welcome leprosy patients and their families. Since then, it has grown into a thriving community with approximately 6,000 residents.
Leprosy (or Hansen’s Disease) is caused by bacteria that damage the nerves close to the skin. If left untreated, the nerve damage spreads, leading to sensory neuropathy in the patient’s hands and feet, muscle paralysis, ulcers, injuries and infection, blindness, amputation, and more. Each year, around 200,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with leprosy, and India accounts for 60 percent of all new cases. The disease can be cured by multi-drug therapy, but the therapy cannot reverse the disability caused by the disease.
Situated within the village, the bandaging unit allows leprosy patients to have easy access to treatments, receiving free daily wound care, medication, and bandaging. Since the village was established, the unit has treated over 2,000 patients, with 450 patients visiting the bandaging unit every week for wound care. Bandaging unit staff use Cliniko healthcare software to track the progress of patients’ wounds, enabling podiatrists in the UK to view the images online and liaise with staff about patient progress. This collaboration is strengthened through HOPE worldwide UK, which facilitates volunteer visits for podiatrists to the Village of HOPE.
In 1999, the Village of HOPE opened its vocational training centre, equipping young men and women with skills such as computer training and nursing assistance. Many of the graduates are relatives of bandaging unit patients. To date, more than 12,000 graduates have obtained training, secured meaningful employment and now support their families.
Before the Village of HOPE’s launch, HOPE worldwide UK and US raised funds to establish the village, and then became actively involved again in 2016. HOPE worldwide UK currently spearheads fundraising efforts, supports the volunteer visits of qualified podiatrists, and provides training, advice, and more.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the Village of HOPE continues to stand as a place where people affected by leprosy can receive the care, support, and compassion they need, free from stigma.
Read inspiring stories from the Village of HOPE:
For those battling the effects of leprosy, the Village of HOPE lives up to its name
