Leprosy Mission New Zealand

Call Us

0800 862 873

What is Leprosy?

  • Home
  • What is Leprosy?
LEARN MORE

Understanding Leprosy

An ancient disease that still affects thousands today

Yes, leprosy still exists today. While it has been largely eliminated in many countries, it continues to affect people in remote pockets around the world, particularly in Nepal, Papua New Guinea, India, and other regions.

Leprosy is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, and upper respiratory tract.

Leprosy is only mildly contagious. It requires prolonged close contact with an untreated person. With proper treatment, a person is no longer contagious after just a few days.

Leprosy is curable with multidrug therapy (MDT), a combination of antibiotics. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent disability and stop transmission.

Leprosy can cause skin lesions, loss of sensation, and if untreated, can lead to permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs, and eyes.

Many myths surround leprosy. It is not highly contagious, it is curable, and people affected by leprosy should not be shunned or isolated. Education and understanding are key to eliminating stigma.

Leprosy is mentioned throughout the Bible, often associated with isolation and ritual impurity. Today, we understand that leprosy is a medical condition that can be treated and cured.

Leprosy has been known for thousands of years. Throughout history, it was feared and misunderstood. Today, with modern medicine, we can cure leprosy and prevent its devastating effects.
OUR MISSION

ZERO LEPROSY BY 2035

counter element
icon

00

+

Years Established

icon

00

Zero Leprosy Goal

icon

00

Pillars of Hope

icon

00

Established in NZ

counter element
icon shape
About Image
About Image
OUR MISSION

Eliminating Leprosy Forever

Welcome to you from Te Mihana Tūwhenua o Aotearoa, the Leprosy Mission New Zealand. Many people don't know that leprosy still exists, this ancient grief, this biblical disease still destroys lives. Our mission is to stop it. Forever.

icon

I Can Cure

Help us find the remote pockets where leprosy still exists and provide treatment

icon

I Can Care

Provide care people with leprosy cannot provide for themselves

icon

I Can Restore

Help restore lives through education, job training and livelihood opportunities

Learn More

Established in New Zealand 1912. Registered Charity Number CC37638.

counter element counter element
OUR PROGRAMS

Three Pillars of Hope

I Can Cure

Program 01

I Can Cure

Service Icon

Throughout human history, leprosy could never be cured. That was why it was feared all other diseases. Now you can cure it. Help us find the remote pockets where leprosy still exists.

Donate and cure now
I Can Care

Program 02

I Can Care

Service Icon

Help provide the care people with leprosy cannot provide for themselves, including: assistive and prosthetic devices; physiotherapy; surgery; hospital care; trauma counselling; and protective wear such as padded sandals.

Donate and care now
I Can Restore

Program 03

I Can Restore

Service Icon

Leprosy destroys lives, but you can help restore them, through education, job training and livelihood opportunities

Donate and restore now
counter element counter element counter element

Haere Mai from Gillian

Welcome to you from Te Mihana Tūwhenua o Aotearoa, the Leprosy Mission New Zealand. Many people don't know that leprosy still exists, this ancient grief, this biblical disease still destroys lives. Our mission is to stop it. Forever.

Learn More
REALLY GOOD GIFTS

Give Really Good Gifts

Your Really Good Gifts will bring hope and practical help to those most in need!

View Catalog
counter element
Brand Images
Brand Images
Brand Images
Brand Images
Brand Images
Brand Images
shapes
CURE ONE TODAY

Today you have the power to Cure One like Ajay

Be the generation that makes sure that No Child gets leprosy.

Donate Now
OUR MISSION

Transforming Lives Affected by Leprosy

Leprosy causes irreversible nerve damage, leading to life-limiting disabilities and severe deformities. Wounds that won't heal leave malnourished bodies open to lethal infections. Age-old fears and stigma about leprosy leave children friendless and families shunned from communities that cannot overcome leprosy on their own. Without help, the lives of children like Sameer, Maya, and Yahrah are just a shadow of all they could be.

Learn More About Our Mission