Our progress towards zero discrimination
The Leprosy Mission Nigeria has put in place a new way of working – in thematic areas and in collaborating with multi-sectoral partners. It includes Organisations of Persons affected by Leprosy, churches and other civil society groups in every project. This has resulted in encouraging results in three distinct areas.
Self-AdvocacyThe number of persons affected involved in self-advocacy increased by 106% compared to previous years. Farmer groups and groups receiving mental health and disability support were trained in advocacy and developed advocacy plans to address policymakers and persons of influence on inclusion and support. A notable achievement was the passing of the Bill for the domestication of the National Mental Health Act in Benue State.
Livelihood supportThanks to new projects, 999 people received support for livelihoods (up 225% on 2024). The Enhanced Care for Integrated Skin NTDs project trained almost 200 persons for agriculture-based livelihoods. Other projects also provided livelihood training and support, including seedlings for farmers and hand tools for different trades. 90% of 283 project clients reported a higher or more stable income. Key to this success was that every participant selected the trade or livelihood training based on their own interests and needs. Rather than being trained in skills we assumed would be beneficial, they enrolled in training that genuinely aligned with their goals.
Partnership with churches45 new churches were engaged in Kwara State through a new project supported by our partners, Hope Rises. TLM Nigeria partners with churches to raise financial and material support, recruit volunteers, and engage in prayer and community outreach. Pastors and leaders are taught more about TLM's work and trained in integral mission, advocacy and project management -strengthening the church’s role in promoting inclusion and supporting TLM Nigeria’s mission.
International diplomacy in partnership
With so many competing agendas, it is difficult to get governments to give this issue the time it deserves. Rather than relying only on our own messaging and influence, our international advocacy team has been working with the government of Malta, who recently repealed their own discriminatory law. Together, we have been reaching out to other states at the UN level to encourage them to follow in Malta's footsteps. We have been making some good progress with Commonwealth nations.
Collaborating within the legal system
The Leprosy Mission Nepal has been working with barristers in Kathmandu to achieve the repeal of Nepal's discriminatory law. Getting this on the agenda of parliament was a challenge, but after years of effort, our partner barristers ensured Nepal's Supreme Court ruled the legislation unlawful.
The Leprosy Mission's Task Force on discrimination is focused on working with TLM's most important partner: Organisations of Persons Affected by Leprosy (OPLs).
Their belief is that inclusion will be achieved when OPLs are strong partners, who lead the fight to defeat leprosy and offer transformative support and encouragement for their members.
In 2025, the Task Force have been speaking to OPL leaders and TLM's teams to understand how we can best support these organisations. Over the years to come, we hope to see them grow more and more into the leaders of the fight to end leprosy and transform lives.
