The Leprosy Mission Nepal (TLMN) has supported more than 18,000 people in 4000 households since the Great Earthquake two months ago.

Free medical care, counselling, shelter, cash, food and other emergency aid have been key elements of TLMN’s comprehensive response.

A history of extensive community involvement has enabled the charity to target the majority of its earthquake response to the most marginalised people, TLMNCountry Director Shovakhar Kandel said today.

“TLMN has served the most vulnerable people in Nepal for many years – in villages, through cooperatives, self-help groups and at our major medical facility, Anandaban Hospital.  Since 25 April we have used our contacts and knowledge to ensure the needs of people affected by leprosy and other disabilities, female-headed households, the very poor and other marginalised groups are not overlooked at this time.”

Mr Kandel paid tribute to the people and organisations that have contributed to TLMN’s earthquake response.

“Our staff continue to put in an amazing effort, despite many having suffered damage to their own homes. Government officials, MPs, local authorities, community leaders and organisations such as CBM, IDEA Nepal and Samaritan’s Purse have been very supportive. 

“And of course we are extremely thankful to the tens of thousands of Leprosy Mission supporters around the world who have donated over US$1.6mso far to fund TLMN’s emergency and recovery work. This global generosity is deeply appreciated by all those in need, and is another fine example of the concern and love for Nepal at this difficult time.”

Key elements of the TLMN response since 25 April 2015 includes 407 earthquake-affected people have received treatment at Anandaban Hospital. This has included major and minor surgeries, physiotherapy, treatment and assistive devices, 1555 people affected by the earthquake have been treated at 15 emergency medical camps conducted in eight districts (Lalitpur, Kavre, Makwanpur, Sindhupalchowk, Dolaka, Rasuwa, Nuwakok and Ramechhap), 2135 people have been treated by TLMN at 20 injury screening camps, in a project funded by CBM and 429 people have received counselling to date at Anandaban Hospital or at a health screening camp.

Similarly, its support included 1416 households in Makwanpur, Lalitpur and Sindhupalchowk have received emergency food and non-food items, 2035 tarpaulins have been distributed to people affected by earthquakes in Ramechhap, Okhaldhunga, Kavre, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Dolakha, Rasuwa and Sindhupalchowk, 639 households in Ramechhap, Dolakha and Rasuwa have received recovery support of 8 sheets of CGI roof sheeting and/or cash support. TLMN aims to raise this number to 1500 through activity in 8 other districts in the coming weeks. Likewise, TLMN has partnered with the Nepal Government to provide training and technical support to enable Government Health Centres to provide improved leprosy care and 26 TLMN staff whose homes were lost or damaged have been given a cash grant.  A further 44 staff are expected to be supported in this way

"TLMN has created a US$2.6m plan for its earthquake response over the next three years.  Shelter support and long-term medical care will be key features, as will be rebuilding and renovation work to ensure Anandaban Hospital can continue to fulfill its role as a community hospital, as Nepal’s leading national leprosy hospital and a recognized referral centre during medical emergencies," said Shovakhar Kandel.