Representation and empowerment of persons with disabilities
We will enable people affected by leprosy and lymphatic filariasis, two neglected tropical diseases that are leading causes of disability in the world today to overcome disease, poverty and prejudice. We will seek to ensure community inclusion of those with whom we work, together with associations of the affected and the disabled, and that discriminatory laws and practises are abolished.
Timeframe and/or implementation plan
We will advocate on behalf of and with people affected, influencing new practices and policies, challenging bad laws and changing perceptions by confronting stigma at institutional, community and individual levels. By 2020, all Lepra programme work will have an advocacy component. Country policies and laws which have implications for people affected by leprosy and LF will be positively influenced by Lepra. Lepra will encourage people disabled by leprosy and lymphatic filariasis to play their part in the decision making processes that concern them by facilitating their attendance of key meetings and by building their capacity to advocate for their rights. In international networks and forums Lepra will be a grounded, authoritative and widely recognised advocate. At local level, we will double our efforts to train health staff and change their perspective positively. We will conduct campaigns in the communities we work in to turn negative attitudes and behaviours towards people affected by leprosy or lymphatic filariasis into positive and inclusive ones.