Lepra was founded as a research organisation and remains one of the world’s leading authorities on leprosy.
Today research still forms an important part of our work, carrying out both scientific and field research to further our knowledge of leprosy.
Despite leprosy being one of the world’s oldest known diseases, there is still much to learn about it. We still do not know exactly how leprosy is transmitted from person to person or why some people get it and other do not. There is still no definitive vaccine for leprosy, although research continues.
Despite these huge gaps in knowledge, leprosy receives only 0.2% of global funding for neglected disease research and development, $7.4 million USD annually.
We are constantly fostering relationships with other organisations and governments internationally to expand our expertise and strive towards a day where leprosy is a disease of little consequence.
The Blue Peter Public Health Research Centre (BPHRC) was established in 1999 following a highly successful campaign on the children’s TV programme Blue Peter which raised over £2.8 million!
Our research centre combines scientific expertise and state of the art research facilities with close contact and relationships with communities affected by diseases.
This direct contact with communities enables us to improve quality of care, and techniques for treating and managing disabilities.
We also research the impact of diseases on the economic and social well-being of those affected. This helps us to identify the wider needs of people and communities affected by disease and design projects to respond to community needs in more appropriate and effective ways.
We publish our research in international journals and also publish a scientific journal, Leprosy Review, which disseminates global research findings and best practice widely amongst health sector organisations.
Your support can help continue in the smooth running of this facility that not only provides people with healthcare services but is leading the way in research to help beat leprosy for good.
We require support from people like you to keep our centres open and to keep helping those affected by leprosy.
