The Leprosy Mission Trust India is launching a nationwide campaign HEAL India (Hire. Educate. Accept Leprosy-affected) to challenge the misconceptions surrounding leprosy that have rendered those affected by it unemployed, stigmatised and unaccepted by society. The HEAL India campaign intends to reach out to over a million people by bringing together corporates, governments, entrepreneurs, children, schools, celebrities, NGOs and, people affected by leprosy.
Reportedly, the campaign which will be launched in New Delhi on Octorber 10, 2013, by Veer Singh Dhingan, MLA & Chairman, Delhi Khadi & Village Industries Board; Keshav Desiraju, Secretary Health & Family Welfare; Stuti Kacker, Secretary of Department of Disability Affairs; Shri Prasanna Kumar Pincha, Chief Commissioner for Disabilities, Dr CM Agrawal, DDG (Leprosy); and, Justice Cyriac Joseph, Member, NHRC.
Hire to HEAL INDIA
The HEAL India campaign plans to open up avenues for employment of people affected by leprosy by building their skills, connecting them to employment opportunities and creating an inclusive hiring environment through a corporate charter with industry bodies.
Educate to HEAL INDIA
Through education, HEAL India plans to create awareness on the causes and cure for leprosy. HEAL India will be reaching out to the people of Delhi through 40,000 children in schools across Delhi NCR, youth and, colleges; through workshops, films, music, contests, and PTAs. The organisation is advocating for leprosy awareness to be a part of school curriculum.
Accept leprosy-affected to HEAL INDIA
The campaign will also use popular media like celebrities, television shows, music and urge India to treat people affected by leprosy with dignity and respect. A HEAL anthem will be created with popular musicians and celebrities to highlight this issue. The campaign has also tied up with student bodies like AIESEC, and other clubs and associations to spread the HEAL message. The campaign envisages involving faith-based institutions like churches, mosques, ISKCON among others to challenge age-old myths about leprosy.
In order to have maximum impact, HEAL India will also use channels like institutional reform by addressing discrimination in workplaces, healthcare settings, schools and colleges; policy dialogue and law reform/repeal, provision of linkages for counselling and other support services.
EH News Bureau
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