We are delighted to announce a new corporate partnership with Haddenham Healthcare and Tea People to support the opening of two specialist health centres in Assam, India.
This partnership marks a significant step in expanding access to essential healthcare services in one of India’s most underserved regions.
According to the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) of India, Assam has reported a notable number of new leprosy cases annually, with high detection rates in remote areas.
Many remote rural areas in Assam lack easy access to specialised treatment for leprosy and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Local healthcare infrastructure, including primary healthcare centres, often do not have the specialised knowledge or resources to manage these diseases effectively.
The lack of dedicated referral centres forces patients to travel long distances for treatment, resulting in delays in diagnosis and care which can lead to irreversible disability. Furthermore, stigma associated with leprosy continues to be a barrier, with people reluctant to seek help due to fear of discrimination.
The establishment of the two new centres bridges this gap by offering specialised care, counselling, and rehabilitation services. They also serve as an educational resource for healthcare professionals, community workers, and locals to help reduce the stigma associated with the diseases.
In many rural communities, being unable to work due to illness means having no income - leading to conditions like leprosy and other NTDs being hidden and untreated.
“This partnership is about delivering long-term, meaningful impact. Having the support of fantastic organisations like Haddenham Healthcare and Tea People is vital to bring this type of specialist healthcare to Assam. The UK has a long history with this part of India and the tea it produces every year. Being able to support people via our referral centres is vital to leaving no one behind in our mission to ensure people have the care they need.”
With most livelihoods in Assam tied to agricultural and manual labour, particularly within the tea industry, the availability of local, specialised care is essential. These centres aim to break the cycle of health inequality by enabling early diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing support for people affected by neglected tropical diseases such as leprosy and lymphatic filariasis.
According to the World Health Organization, in 2024 India reported 100,957 of new cases of leprosy, which represents 58% of all cases globally. Underreporting remains a significant issue however, with millions of people thought to be living with undiagnosed leprosy, who are at risk of developing life-changing disabilities.
The collaboration highlights a shared commitment between Lepra, Haddenham Healthcare and Tea People to improve health outcomes through early detection, treatment, and addressing the socio-economic barriers which prevent access to effective healthcare.
To celebrate the opening of the satellite centre in Dhoedaam, Tea People are offering a 15% discount with the November issue of Lepra News for a limited period. Sign up to receive your free copy!
