Haddenham Healthcare, based near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, supply specialist compression garments and products to assist the treatment of a range of conditions such as lymphoedema and chronic oedema, which share similar symptoms with lymphatic filariasis (LF), one of the neglected tropical diseases that Lepra focuses on. LF is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease. Its symptoms include severe, irreversible tissue swelling, skin thickening, and painful inflammation of the lymph system.
In addition to supporting Lepra’s projects in India and Bangladesh, Haddenham Healthcare initially donated a quantity of their specialist compression garments, which were provided to some of the most vulnerable people accessing Lepra’s self-care groups.
We first got to hear about Lepra's amazing work when I met two of the staff at the British Lymphology Conference. Rajni Kant Singh's presentation brought home the huge problem which exists in India surrounding lymphatic filariasis. We wanted to do something to help and donating our specialist compression garments was just one way we could support Lepra's work. The feedback we received from Rajni on the successful outcome for people using our garments was heart-warming.
- Tim Gabb, General Manager, Haddenham Healthcare
If left untreated, LF can be extremely painful and debilitating. People affected are taught special self-care techniques to help improve their symptoms which must be practised regularly to reduce swelling and minimise pain.
In September 2025, Haddenham Healthcare helped to support and fund the opening of a new referral centre in Assam, India. The ‘Comprehensive Disability Referral Centre’ in the Tinsukia Tea Garden, helps to ensure that tea garden workers affected by leprosy and LF can receive medication, self-care practice training and other essential treatments and support.
The referral centre is equipped with the necessary infrastructure to provide specialised medical care and services, including:
Since opening, the centre has helped to identify, diagnose and treat over 50 new cases of leprosy and LF (including three children and 39 complex cases), 280 pairs of specialist footwear have been provided, nearly 60 training events have been held and over 10,000 people have been screened.
A special thank you to the team at Haddenham Healthcare, whose generosity and kindness have helped to fund this vital project, now into its second year. With your support we can reach some of the most vulnerable people and their families, and help to reduce the physical, social and emotional impact of leprosy and LF.
