LEPROSY

Jesus ministered to leprosy affected with love, touch, healing and restoration to life in abundance in integrating them back into their society. Their needs met individually and collectively (Luke 17:11-19).

Leprosy patients and their families in Orissa (Odisha) are still marginalized with socioreligious and economic discriminations. They live abandoned and on the outskirts in the lowest of social strata. The disease of leprosy has a wider spiralling affect with the persisting stigma among the common people. Cured leprosy patients continue living in colonies and are not integrated with their respective communities. They live as outcasts in the social fabric and rely on seeking alms. Efforts to bridge the wider gaps in availing holistic services is essential. They need health, dignity, belonging and hope found in the Gospel to be presented on sustained basis.