Announced on 22 September 2025 by the WHO regional office in Delhi, this new prestigious award was introduced earlier this year and recognises outstanding contributions to public health that have led to measurable health improvements across impacted communities. Over 50 nominations were made from across the region, and other winners this year included the disability rights activist Dr. Satendra Singh and the Female Community Health Volunteers of Nepal.
LEPRA Society received the award in the institution category, recognising their longstanding contributions to the prevention and treatment of leprosy and other neglected tropical diseases, and their innovative use of new technologies to create more effective treatments.
LEPRA Society was inaugurated in 1989 to help bring vital healthcare closer to the communities with the greatest level of need. Currently LEPRA Society operates across 143 districts in nine states and is responsible for 146 specialist health centres. In addition to our work supporting people affected by leprosy and lymphatic filariasis, LEPRA Society have also expanded their remit to include other diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. They also played an important role during the COVID-19 pandemic delivering vaccinations and oxygen generators.
We are truly honoured to be recognised by the WHO’s South-East Asia Region Award for Public Health Champion award. It is testament to the incredible work of our dedicated health workers, researchers and community volunteers who have devoted their lives and careers to supporting some of the most vulnerable members of society. Their tireless efforts to provide high-quality and dignified person-centred care has helped to redefine people’s understanding of NTDs and to give hope and a greater voice to the communities we serve
Prasant Kumar Naik - Chief Executive, LEPRA Society
