The economic, social, and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a significant increase in the need for humanitarian aid and social protection measures. Persons affected by leprosy have been especially impacted by the worst consequences of the pandemic, due to preexisting vulnerabilities and economic precarity.
Governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and organizations of persons affected by leprosy have enacted policies and programmes intended to support persons affected during this crisis, although there are still gaps. To support the effectiveness of these interventions, and to help raise awareness of resources available to persons affected, the Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy’s COVID-19 Emergency Advocacy Working Group and UN Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members Alice Cruz, gathered data on available programmes and resources. The following information was gathered through an online questionnaire from 100+ persons affected and partners, representing 24 countries.
Brazil
Government response:
Respondents felt that the Brazilian government was not prompt to take action in respect to COVID-19. The president minimized the significance of the pandemic by disqualifying protective measures, ignoring the advice of international health organizations, thereby putting the population at risk. Respondents felt that there were issues with corruption related to finances designated to the Ministry of Health.
The government did designate a fixed monetary amount to assuage the general basic needs of the population. Those who most needed the stipend (ie. elderly, those who live in remote areas and/or have no internet, etc.) did not receive it as effectively as others. Other services distributed included food, hygiene products, and masks.
Civil society response:
The organization of local aid met resistance because of the government’s initial position on COVID-19. Local organizations, such as MORHAN, put together baskets with food, hand sanitizer, soap and face masks and delivered them to Hansen’s Disease patients and their families. The DAHW has helped with disseminating information about the disease and the pandemic. There has been increased social media outreach to raise awareness among persons affected.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
MORHAN, a Brazilian organization of persons affected, has been incredibly active with delivery of food parcels, delivering missing medication to persons affected undergoing treatment, hygiene kits, educational materials, and face masks. MORHAN has organized discussion groups to inform about leprosy and COVID-19. Special attention was given to patients still residing in colonies.
What needs are still going unmet?
Work needs to increase nationwide. A focus on education is suggested because respondents felt that the majority of affected people were not adequately informed about risk factors and preventive measures against COVID-19. Telecommunication is recommended as a method for medical consultation. Also mentioned were deficits in attention to elderly patients still living in colonies who are susceptible to the abuse of militia groups, and a lack of public policies for the social protection of people affected.
Additional information:
The Brazilian Society of Hansenology: SBH Asks the Ministry of Health to Survey COVID-19 in Leprosy Patients
Alliance Against Leprosy: Piraquara Hospital and leprosy community receive donations of masks
Alliance Against Leprosy: Overcoming the pandemic: AAL Institute resumes activities and demands attention to leprosy
Fontilles: We started a COVID-19 prevention project among the indigenous population of Manaus
Cambodia
Government response:
The questionnaire respondent reported that the Cambodian government did not take any social protection measures to protect persons affected from loss of livelihoods and guarantee their access to basic needs. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Civil society response:
A civil society organization (specific organization not named by respondent) is closely monitoring persons affected and provided them with emergency assistance. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
A civil society organization (specific organization not named by respondent) of persons affected by leprosy has set up food aid for other persons affected. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
What needs are still going unmet?
The questionnaire respondent described a lack of support from the government for persons affected by leprosy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Chad
Government response:
The Chad government distributed food to persons affected by leprosy, along with other vulnerable groups. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Civil society response:
Civil society organizations (specific organization not named by respondent) did not place any interventions to protect persons affected from loss of livelihoods or access to basic needs. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
There is no known response by persons affected at this time. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
What needs are still going unmet?
The questionnaire respondent felt that big cities will need support for the means of subsistence, while the population in rural areas is less affected. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Colombia
Government response:
The Colombian government has put into place national relief efforts to assuage the general basic needs of their population. These efforts include monetary stipends, food packages, and subsidized services. Nevertheless, the general consensus of respondents is that the efforts are insufficient.
Civil society response:
Other than local government efforts, organizations such as the DAHW, FELEHANSEN, Sasakawa, and an unnamed Czech organization have stepped in to provide aid in certain places. They’ve sponsored food deliveries, advocacy for health services, training on COVID-19 prevention to persons affected by leprosy, distribution of face masks, and hand sanitizer.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
Individuals and local organizations have taken measures to support persons affected by leprosy by providing emotional support, collecting and distributing food packages to those in extreme poverty or currently undergoing MDT treatment, procurement and distribution of personal protection equipment such as hand sanitizer, alcohol, hand soap and face masks. Other local organizations are working directly with government efforts to supervise that people are, in fact, receiving what is stipulated in the government allowances.
What needs are still going unmet?
It was mentioned that there are no provisions made for seeing to the specific needs of persons affected by leprosy by the national government. Specific needs that were referenced are: adequate housing, education, job opportunities, access to food and health care, and inclusion processes, to minimize social discrimination and stigma. It was of the opinion of two respondents that the government’s involvement with persons affected by leprosy was limited, therefore making local persons affected-affirming organizations’ efforts less effective, without the multidimensional support that the governments could have provided.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Government response:
The Democratic Republic of Congo government provided food packages to persons affected, and paid their water and electricity bills for the months of March and April (the peak of the pandemic period).
Civil society response:
Civil society organizations such as The Leprosy Mission Congo, with the support of its partner organizations, Switzerland TLM, Holland TLM and Belgium TLM, distributed food packages and COVID-19 kits to more than 100 households affected by leprosy. The organizations also supported the capacity of persons affected by introducing agricultural techniques, in order to promote domestic vegetable gardens and crop cultivation. This took place in Kinshasa and Congo Central.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
Persons affected distributed food supplies sufficient to cover the needs of other persons affected for 2-3 months. They also distributed COVID-19 kits, which included hand washing supplies, and masks. Lastly, they provided agricultural training for domestic vegetable gardens so households could be self-reliant for food, and meet their dietary needs.
What needs are still going unmet?
The health-care system does not fully cover the costs associated with COVID-19 for persons affected by leprosy (no universal health coverage policy). In addition, there aren’t appropriate medical care supplies such as crutches, tricycles, suitable shoes, etc. to help persons affected cope with disability. Many people have lost their jobs and don’t have the resources to pay rent. Lastly, there is major concern for students, as the academic year is about to resume, and respondents predict students will need assistance with resources to cope with COVID-19 related issues.
Additional Information:
Action Damien: DRC: a digital fight against the coronavirus
Ecuador
Government response:
The single respondent surveyed reported that she is a part of the native population of her country (Kichwa). As First Nations, her people do not receive government support. Any support is coordinated between the leaders of her people and private volunteers. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Civil society response:
There is no known response by civil society organizations at this time. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
There is no known response by persons affected at this time. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
What needs are still going unmet?
The report suggests helpful ideas, such as: providing direct information to communities, and promoting trustworthy testing. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Additional Information:
Damien House: COVID-19 Update
Gabon
Government response:
The Gabon governments provided a food bank, free water, and free electricity for low-income households, including persons affected by leprosy.
Civil society response:
There were no specific civil society organizations working in leprosy in Gabon mentioned by survey respondents.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
WHO notified the population of Gabon and allocated MDT on December 31st, 2019 for persons affected by leprosy who tested positive for COVID-19 in remote regions of Gabon. Even so, respondents reported serious concerns regarding the underuse of services that offer diagnosis and management of NTDs. There are also concerns that leprosy reports for 2019/2020 are not up to date.
What needs are still going unmet?
COVID-19 should set an example for the healthcare system in Gabon, especially in regards to persons affected with leprosy. The opportunities to access healthcare need to be present even after the pandemic ends, not only for leprosy, but also for Buruli ulcer and Yaws as well. Respondent suggestions include: supervision of patient using telemedicine, implementation network of BAAR and PCR laboratories, organization of MTN Cutaneous webinars at the national level, collaboration with networks working on AFB / tuberculosis and PCR / SAS-COV-2 diagnostic laboratories, etc.
Ghana
Government response:
There was no support from the Ghana government for persons affected by leprosy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Civil society response:
Civil society organizations (specific organizations not named by respondent) provided support to persons affected by leprosy during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically in Accra, Tamale, Cape Coast and Kumasi. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
An organization of persons affected leprosy worked with a leprosy NGO to provide resources to persons affected during the COVID-19 pandemic on a monthly basis. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
What needs are still going unmet?
There is no known response by persons affected at this time. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
India
Government response:
The Indian government is implementing social protection measures for persons affected by leprosy by providing grains (such as rice), cooked food, water, a monthly financial compensation (a ration card of 500 rupees), and the disbursement of a ‘social economic support package’ for a total of 3 months during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the government arranged isolation centers, specifically for migrant workers affected by leprosy, along with a system of ‘job portals’ which allowed networking opportunities for employers and employees to connect. Lastly, they disbursed COVID-19 supplies, which included hand sanitizers and masks. Most respondents had a similar answer to this question, while two respondents did not receive the financial compensation. Respondents reported that the ration card offered was not sufficient to support loss of livelihoods caused by COVID-19 restrictions, and some respondents requested additional money.
Civil society response:
Civil society organizations and NGOs based in Delhi organized various forms of intervention at the community level, such as community based groups for assisting persons affected with income generation, problem solving activities, and advocacy for persons
affected with disabilities, with a focus on persons with disabilities that are also affected by leprosy. In addition, community youth initiatives focused on minimizing fear and social stigma surrounding persons affected by leprosy. One hospital provided ration cards and instructed persons affected on how to avoid the COVID-19 virus, and supplied masks as well. The Leprosy Mission Trust India (TLMTI) offered access to most of their services online during the pandemic, focusing on children and women affected by leprosy. They educated persons affected on using devices to access entitlement benefits. The organization had their facilities open and running during the pandemic, and created special events during the pandemic. Persons affected were offered assistance with finding job opportunities. Little Flower and the Rising Star Outreach group, in partnership with Samathan Bihar Organization and the Leprosy Mission Trust, provided persons affected by leprosy cooking supplies such as flour, rice, lentils and oil.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
Self help groups for persons affected distributed grocery items and hygiene kits. They organized bag-making initiatives, and raised awareness, through the creation of youth groups of persons affected by leprosy. Job portals were designed to connect youths looking to join the workforce with available jobs. These groups also registered persons affected for public distribution systems, so they could receive food packages on a regular basis during the pandemic. Despite these measures, half of respondents claimed they were not involved or aware of any action undertaken by themselves, their community, or their organization to protect persons affected from loss of livelihoods and guarantee their access to basic needs, indicating that everyone is not yet benefitting from these initiatives.
What needs are still going unmet?
Respondents reported that three months of COVID-19 assistance was not sufficient. The government could have intervened for a much longer duration of time (such as 12 months) or until the economy was back to normal, as people suffered tremendously due to the pandemic . The amount of money given was too little to cover basic needs, especially since it was a total of 500 rupees for the entirety of 3 months. Women who did not have a Jan Dhan bank account did not receive money, thus many persons affected were excluded from recieving the financial help from the government. Persons affected lacked sufficient amounts of food, rice, medicine, and COVID-19 hygiene supplies. The government should have offered work-from-home employment opportunities/ideas for persons affected by leprosy.
Besides Delhi, other parts of India did not provide sufficient community clinics, emergency ambulance services, and community based health initiatives (such as self care groups). Respondents suggested that cities should convert community halls, hotels and schools into COVID-19 care centers and testing labs for persons affected by leprosy. Other parts of India must also improve their efforts in the distribution of health care equipment for community and home based care. Transportation was also cited as a huge issue, due to unemployment.
Additional Information:Action Damien: India-Belgium: together against COVID-19American Leprosy Missions Coronavirus Response: WASH Project leadership in IndiaFontilles reorients its projects in India to prevent a health and economic drama in patients with leprosy due to the coronavirusFontilles: COVID-19 in India: food and care for the most vulnerableFontilles: COVID-19 in India: so that no family is left without foodFontilles: COVID-19 in India: so no one is left without the healthcare they needLepra: COVID-19 Emergency Appeal UpdateLepra: Yadari Ramadevi on being an ASHA during the COVID-19 pandemicNLR: Increased local support for persons affected by leprosy in India during coronavirusNovartis: Kalwe, India: staying on site to ensure leprosy drug production
Indonesia
Government response:
The Indonesian government has put in place a multi-tiered system of national relief to meet the basic needs of its population. These efforts include monetary stipends (Rp 600,000/month for 3 months) and food packages (sugar, eggs, canned fish, instant noodles). This relief was disbursed one time and not everyone is reached by this intervention. The government is not providing specific assistance to poor people, including those affected by leprosy, who do not have any means of livelihood, especially since persons affected have no family ties to or political sway with the government.
Civil society response:
NLR conducted COVID-19 pandemic support by providing informative and educative materials related to COVID-19 to persons affected by leprosy and communities via social media and printed materials, providing personal protective equipment (masks and disinfectants) to health workers at community health centers in district levels and to persons affected by leprosy, and providing cash aid and basic necessities to persons affected, like foods.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
Civil society organizations such as PERDIK conducted a local fundraiser and donated food and hygiene packages to persons affected by leprosy who live in a leprosy community. Another organization, PERMATA, provided hygiene supplies and food assistance to patients and persons affected by leprosy. Every month they distribute basic foods to 100 persons affected by leprosy in every district who don’t receive government assistance.
The national organization of persons with disabilities encouraged donations of fabric masks, and has supported the community by sharing disability and leprosy news during COVID-19 outbreak, raising donations from the wider community (public donations), providing health education to disabled and families affected by leprosy, making soap, hand sanitizer and disinfectants, as well as donating personal funds.
What needs are still going unmet?
There is not sufficient education on COVID-19 in communities on prevention measures, transmission, and the symptoms of the disease. Routine activities such as self-care groups in most areas are stopped temporarily, increasing the probability of rising disability scores.
Additional Information:Sasakawa Health Foundation Activity Report: COVID-19 Response Project in Indonesia
Mexico
Government response:
The respondent surveyed was not aware of any measures taken by the government for persons affected in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Civil society response:
The respondent surveyed was not aware of any measures put in place by civil society organizations (specific organizations not named by respondent). There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
The respondent surveyed was not aware of any measures undertaken to protect people affected. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
What needs are still going unmet?
The respondent surveyed stated that all measures are lacking to protect persons affected, and that the government and organizations are not meeting any of their current needs. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Mozambique
Government response:
No extra protection measures were put in place by the government of Mozambique beyond a basic cash transfer program for pre-selected families. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Civil society response:
ILEP (Aifo, NLR, TLM) has been working for the benefit of those affected by Hansen’s disease by lobbying and advocating with the government to extend the basic social allowance, to offer support for those in need of urgent medical attention, the provision of analgesics for severe leprotic reactions, and has been campaigning for the government to adopt measures to prevent COVID-19. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
NLR, with its partners, has mapped out vulnerable persons and lobbied to get them included on the basic social subsidy programs, conducted awareness campaigns for the prevention of COVID-19 in communities where people are living with leprosy. They have ensured that leprosy patients in current treatment have no lapse in receiving their medication. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
What needs are still going unmet?
COVID-19 is spreading into communities where there are persons affected by leprosy, and this is worrisome, because there is no clean water nor cleaning products in many of these vulnerable locations. There are no international flights coming into the country currently, and medicine is running out. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Additional Information:NLR: Strengthening Prevention Measures in NampulaNLR: Strengthening Prevention Measures in ZambéziaNLR: Capacity building for community workersNLR: Stories of persons affected by leprosy in Mozambique during COVID-19
Myanmar
Government response:
The government provided information about COVID-19 prevention to persons affected by leprosy early on in the pandemic through news outlets, TV, and the disbursement of pamphlets. Persons affected have had access to a call center specializing in COVID-19 counseling. The government of Myanmar provided cash and food items to persons affected, including: rice, oil, onions, peas, and salt. In addition, the government reduced electricity charges for the whole country, provided free hospital visits for COVID-19 patients, and reduced bank interest for persons affected and for other vulnerable communities. The government paid 15,000 persons affected a stipend of $36 during the pandemic.
Civil society response:
The Leprosy Mission Myanmar, in collaboration with the government, facilitated a support mechanism for persons affected during the pandemic. Other civil society organizations (specific organization not named by respondent) and philanthropists provided food on a daily basis for persons affected by leprosy living in the quarantine center, while also providing them with cash. They assisted in transporting persons affected that are also COVID-19 patients to the hospital as well.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
The Myanmar Association of People Affected by Leprosy (MAPAL), supported persons affected through community based interventions.
A persons affected organization undertook research on the impacts of COVID-19 on families affected by leprosy.The organization provided online support to persons affected regarding any questions/concerns related to COVID-19. They collected data from the responses and conveyed the 19 responses to the government, with the goal of including persons affected in the government’s COVID-19 Economic Relief plans. This organization also helped spread COVID-19 awareness and information provided by organizations like MOHS, WHO, and the International Disability Alliance. They distributed COVID-19 kits including: face masks, soaps, hand sanitizers, methylated spirit and water containers to persons affected. They provided online training to partner organizations and churches on supporting persons affected with COVID-19 care.
What needs are still going unmet?
There is a lack of government understanding on the needs and struggles of persons affected during COVID-19, thus a long term plan needs to be created. Businesses in remote/vulnerable locations were not informed about COVID-19 on time, and they suffered losses due to the sudden lockdown. Government interventions should be put in place to help persons affected with percarious livelihoods during the pandemic.
Additional Information:The Leprosy Mission International: COVID-19: How do we grow from this experience?
Nepal
Government response:
The Nepalese government provided relief packages in remote/rural parts of the country. Government hospitals provided treatment services for persons affected by leprosy who tested positive for COVID-19. However, there were no protection measures to resume loss of livelihood and other basic needs for persons affected by leprosy. The government did not provide cash or financial support. One respondent claimed they did not receive food packages during the pandemic.
Civil society response:
TLMN, in collaboration with Anandaban Hospital, provided treatment screening and organized awareness programs to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among persons affected by leprosy. Employees of the organization were able to work-from-home, received some COVID-19 benefits, and were given health insurance. TLMN provided basic food twice to self-help group members/persons affected group members. One respondent claimed that the response from civil society to the loss of livelihoods for persons affected by leprosy during the pandemic has been inadequate.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
IDEA Nepal (International Association for Integration, Dignity and Economic Advancement, a national advocacy organization for persons affected by leprosy) provided basic food relief throughout the country during lockdown. IDEA helped a total of 800 households of persons affected by leprosy, executing projects such HEAL and IMPACT, which actively worked on a community level in the field in providing relief supplies to persons and families affected by leprosy. The relief included COVID-19 PPE support.
What needs are still going unmet?
Respondent reported that the government lacked proper planning and implementation, both during the lockdown ,and after the lockdown ended, in providing support in resumption of livelihoods for persons affected. Financial support would have been a major help during the pandemic crisis, along with COVID-19 kits, food packages and other resources to help persons affected cope. Markets owned by persons affected by leprosy were doing poorly during the pandemic, thus many were operating at a financial loss. Persons affected still need various resources, such as resettlement for their businesses, and livelihood resumption support, like: seed money, crop seeds, training in new skills for production and marketing, etc. The major lack of transportation during lockdown resulted in persons affected diagnosed with COVID-19 not having access to hospitals. Another notable problem was the difficulty faced by persons affected in accessing government benefits, as there were numerous procedures necessary to receive the support offered. The government relies on NGOs and INGOs to help persons affected in the country, but needs to prioritize this issue on their own.
Additional Information:American Leprosy Missions partner, Lalgadh Leprosy Hospital in Nepal, provides quarantine service and COVID-19 treatment facilityNepal Leprosy Trust: The daily battle is intense at LalgadhNepal Leprosy Trust: Update on LalgadhNepal Leprosy Trust: Lalgadh’s Relief ProgrammeSasakawa Health Foundation Activity Report: COVID-19 Response Project in Nepal, 4 August 2020Sasakawa Health Foundation Activity Report: COVID-19 Response Project in Nepal Part 2: Providing Relief Supplies, 27 August 2020
Nigeria
Government response:
The Nigerian government did not take any social protection measures to protect persons affected from loss of livelihood and guarantee their access to basic needs. The Nigerian government implemented social protection measures during the pandemic for the general population, but nothing specific to persons affected by leprosy.
Civil society response:
TLM Nigeria provided food supplies to persons affected in Zanfara. In Kebbi/Sokoto, the organization provided persons affected with agricultural training for rice, tomatoes and maize. The German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association provided food and money for senior citizen persons affected by leprosy. Younger persons affected were also provided with financial support in 6 supported states. Damien foundation provided support and services to persons affected, depending on funding availability. ILEP provided support to persons affected during the pandemic as well (no specifications were given, no specific organizations named). One respondent claimed there was no support from civil society organizations (specific organization not named by respondent) for persons affected by leprosy during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
Purple Hope Initiative- Nigeria carried out counseling regarding sanitization during COVID-19, and provided persons affected with hygiene resources including: face masks, hand sanitizers, and buckets. They also provided food support such as rice, beans and yams.
What needs are still going unmet?
There is a major lack in access to health care and lack of basic resources for persons affected during the pandemic. Although some civil society organizations (specific organization not named by respondent) provided limited supplies, persons affected voiced that these supplies are not specifically geared towards the needs of persons affected by leprosy during COVID-19. Purple Hope Initiative has attempted to communicate such needs to the government, and are waiting to hear back.
Additional Information:Action Damien: Fighting against the coronavirus is now part of our tasks
Pakistan
Government response:
The Pakistani government took very limited social protection measures to protect persons affected from loss of livelihoods or guarantee their access to basic needs. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Civil society response:
The respondent surveyed is not aware of any organizations working to protect persons affected. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
The respondent surveyed has helped by disbursing cash transfers to persons affected for food and rent. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
What needs are still going unmet?
Due to severe financial constraints, only a very limited number of persons in need can be supported. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Papua New Guinea
Government response:
Respondent reported that there was no government response for persons affected by leprosy during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Civil society response:
Respondent reported that The Leprosy Mission offered to support to persons affected. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
The Leprosy Mission PNG has a project through which they provide encouragement and support, encouraging people to continue with their livelihoods, while using safe buying and selling practices. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
What needs are still going unmet?
Respondent reported that there is no welfare safety-net in the country, that health care services are focusing solely on COVID-19 response and no other diseases, that there is no public transport during lockdown, and that markets are being broken down and marketeers driven away, limiting access to work for persons affected. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Philippines
Government response:
The Philippine government offered financial grants through a social amelioration program for Assistance in Crisis Situation and Livelihood Assistance, but this is not specifically for persons affected, and not everyone received the grant because of government funding limitations. The program’s financial stipend, 5000-8000 pesos, excludes out persons affected who live alone or apart from their families, as only families qualify for the monetary support. Additionally, food packages (including: rice, canned goods) were provided to families in need (not specific to persons affected) in the months of April and May. The government was unable to provide food assistance in the following months due to shortage in funding. The government provided access to basic healthcare throughout the pandemic. Barangay health workers monitored persons affected to ensure that their basic needs were being addressed by the local government health care facility. In addition, the private sector provided support for vulnerable communities, including persons affected.
Civil society response:
Due to limited accessibility, mobility and transportation, civil society organizations were not able to support persons affected, especially during the strict restrictions of the enhanced community quarantine policies. Thus, there were no interventions carried out by civil society organizations for persons affected to protect them from loss of livelihood and meet their basic needs during the pandemic. An exception to this rule was mentioned by respondents. HD Club Family (a Viber group of persons affected, who use MDP and RFT) was closely monitored by NA at JRRMMC for concerns and questions on leprosy treatment reactions during the pandemic. The NA used online tele-dermatology for E-prescriptions and to chat with an infectious dermatology team through the mobile app (Viber). The HD Club Family uses the chat as a source of providing emotional support for one another.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
Persons affected by leprosy actively monitored the HD ClubHouse Viber group chat and helped in directing px complaints to the proper channels to provide assistance with E-Rx. Other persons affected provided valuable information on ways to obtain provisions for basic needs available at Barangay. Another person affected’s organization provided courier services for easier access to MDT drugs, telemedicine for free online consults, free vitamins, etc.
What needs are still going unmet?
There is not sufficient attention directed towards People with Disabilities (PWD) in pandemic response, including persons affected. The Philipino government is overwhelmed with COVID-19 and has been prioritizing controlling the spread, and persons affected are suffering through loss of livelihoods. The government relies on private individuals, organizations and institutions to help alleviate the impacts of COVID-19 for PAL and PWD. Hospitals are at full capacity, therefore not everyone gets treated. Mental health is being neglected amongst PAL impacted by COVID-19, and there is an urgency for removing stigma from leprosy as it is causing tremendous self esteem issues for PAL in their professional careers. Lastly, PALs are lacking government support for employment protection and need major
support for when they reenter the workforce.
Senegal
Government response:
As part of the Resilience Plan, the government distributed food kits to people who hold the Equal Opportunities Card (a specific card that serves as identification for people with disabilities and affected by leprosy). Although, not all persons affected by leprosy have possession of this card, thus they are left out in the distribution. Besides food kit, the government has not assisted persons affected by leprosy. Additionally, the Head of State allocated $114 million to food aid for the most vulnerable populations, which fed 1 million households. This emergency kit includes: rice, oil, sugar and soap.Two people responded with similar answers regarding the Resilience Plan and Equal Opportunity Card, the third spoke specifically about the Head of State’s aid for vulnerable communities, regardless if they hold the specific card.
Civil society response:
Civil society organizations such as DAHW-Senegal and other Human Rights
organizations carried interventions of social reclassification among persons affected, both in villages as well as areas outside the villages. They mainly distributed food kits. Persons affected also claimed there was no coordinated civil society action. Two people had a similar answer, while one disagreed completely. One person claimed there was no support from civil society organizations.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
The Senegalese Association for the Fight against leprosy and Tropical Neglected Diseases (ASCL/MTN) conducted research on food manufacturing companies. They also advocated for leprosy patients to be taken into account in companys’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. They also advocated to authorities regarding access to healthcare for persons affected with COVID-19.
Another organization, Action Damien, organized funds for the National Leprosy Elimination Program which focused on social assistance for persons affected by leprosy. They also raised awareness on complications such as: plantar perforating reactions, ailments, payment of consultation costs , hospitalization, analyzes, transport for medical follow-up and payment of prescriptions. Lastly, they were given a budget for the cost of prostheses.
The DAHW, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Social Action of the Ministry of Health, provided financial support which allowed persons affected (in three former-leprosaria reclassification villages) to purchase hygiene kits for hand-washing. Along with that, the DAHW and partners set up a special fund in Koutal (a leper colony) providing them with 523 masks made by young local tailors. They also raised awareness through home visits to families so they know how to handle the measures being taken in the context for COVID-19. The DAHW provided financial support to the Department of Social Action for an endowment in Dakar (epicenter of COVID-19) for poor families who lived in outlying neighborhoods so they could have access to hygiene kits and masks.The feedback was similar, but everyone spoke about different issues and organizations.
What needs are still going unmet?
Governments need to strongly consider persons affected by leprosy in the context of COVID-19. There are concerns regarding many issues, such as better access to health-care and other social services. Problems regarding discrimination require the government and health care system to call action for inclusion methods. Specific measures that are missing in Senegal include: insufficient surgical masks and gels, along with food aid.
Lastly, a suggestion for improvement states: the Ministry of Health and Social Action should create a sectoral coordination framework to carry out pre-COVID-19 assessments of specific needs for groups at risk such as Pals in order to set up sectoral response programs, coordinate their implementation and carry out their ongoing evaluation. Unfortunately, the actions were (maybe) existing but not coordinated.One person mentioned that the Leprosy Referral Center (the CHOM) was requested to house persons affected with COVID-19.
Sierra Leone
Government response:
Food rations and moneys were given out to Persons with Disabilities in some districts.The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Civil society response:
No.The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
The GLRA/DAHW Sierra Leone has printed information and education materials on COVID-19 for Persons with disability. There has also been food rations distribution, sanitary kits and money to 390 persons affected by leprosy. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
What needs are still going unmet?
The provision of basic needs such as food and medicine for vulnerable people in the street are lacking. More information is needed to educate the masses. Government and organizations should increase their effort in providing medicine, food and shelter for people affected. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
South Sudan
Government response:
Food distribution and protection of civil sites. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Civil society response:
Civil society organizations (specific organizations not named by respondent) lobbied on behalf of those affected by the disease to drum up support. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
Support neighbors by teaching them how to use a small parcel of land around their homestead to raise vegetables.The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
What needs are still going unmet?
Improved seed varieties are very expensive in local markets, making communities vulnerable to grow their own food crops. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Togo
Government response:
The government gave a very small amount of money to persons affected but it wasn’t enough to buy much. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Civil society response:
There is no official support from civil society organizations for persons affected by leprosy. Although, the TOGO DAHW section supplied food kits directly to persons affected and their partners. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
The organization that the persons affected regularly provided food and masks for other persons affected by leprosy. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
What needs are still going unmet?
The food provided by the persons affected organization wasn’t enough to feed all the other persons affected in the community, nor were the COVID-19 supplies enough, thus the government needs to prioritize providing persons affected with the necessary care and supplies to deal with COVID-19 restrictions. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Venezuela
Government response:
The report informs that a cash bonus equivalent to US$1 is given out to cover basic needs.The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Civil society response:
Response is a non descriptive “No”. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
Response is a non descriptive “No”. The survey for this country is limited to one report.There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
What needs are still going unmet?
The report suggests that the following measures are lacking: access to necessary medication, aids of basic food and protection of patients do not improve. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Yemen
Government response:
No social protection measures on livelihoods specified for persons affected was taken, except leave for around one month with salary for the governmental employees.The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Civil society response:
No special intervention to protect persons affected from loss of livelihoods. The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
Response of persons affected individuals and organizations:
No action undertaken.The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
What needs are still going unmet?
There are no COVID-19 patients registered among persons affected by leprosy. There were no actions taken by the government to see to the livelihoods of persons affected by leprosy. due to the general war situation in the country. There is some distribution of food in different places of
the country.The survey for this country is limited to one report. There are no comparative reports to support or contradict the provided responses.
The situation in countries regarding COVID-19 is constantly changing. This page will be regularly updated. If you have an update or correction to this information, please contact us.