What is Leprosy?

• Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria, Mycobacterium Leprae, affecting mainly the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa, and eyes.
  
• A disease that can cause sensory deficit and muscle weakness to extremities – disfigurement, ulcer formation and contractures.
  
• Transmitted primarily through respiratory route, droplets or long term contact.
  
• Manifestation depends on multiple factors: nutrition, hygiene, genetic predisposition.
  
• Leprosy was known to the ancient Babylonians, Hebrews, Greeks, Romans and is mentioned frequently in the Bible.
  
• Leprosy is a treatable disease
  

Who Are We?

• Friends of Lepers is a non-profit, non-political and non-religious organization formed in 1995.
  
• Launched major campaign in 1998 to raise funds and create awareness of leprosy in Vietnam.
  
• Organization is made up entirely of volunteers working quietly behind the scenes.
  
• Our main source income comes from donations world wide and an annual concert put on by
  volunteer performers.
  
• Rely on network of local caretakers (nuns, priests, monks, nurses in VN) to provide actual care
  
• Team members visit Vietnam 2 to 3 times a year (paid at their own expense) to assess, assist and monitor projects.

Accomplishments For the Past 13 Year

• Provide supplemental meals for 3,655 lepers
  
• Provide 1,485 scholarships for lepers children
  
• Build 125 houses for recovered lepers
  
• Build two health clinics, two elementary schools and two dormitories
  
• Provide funds for 172 leper families to resettle in society
  
• Receive annual donations from over 5,000 people
  

DONATIONS