Myanmar is one of the poorest countries in Eastern Asia, and has long been rocked by conflict and instability.
In February 2021, the military ousted the civilian government in a coup. The resulting civil war has left people facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Estimates indicate almost half the population have been pushed into poverty. Hunger is rife, and millions have fled their homes.
In 2025, 1,098 people were diagnosed with leprosy. This is only half the cases previously detected each year before the coup, as conflict has made the regions with the highest leprosy rates inaccessible.
Case detection now relies on people affected by leprosy coming to health centres themselves, rather than door-to-door screening in communities. Even then, getting the right diagnosis and treatment is challenging.
In Myanmar, you are funding medical services, research, and training. You are also standing with the local church to empower and support people affected by leprosy.
Medical Services
Conflict, military checkpoints, and travel restrictions mean healthcare is becoming increasingly inaccessible. Getting to a leprosy hospital is simply not possible for most people in Myanmar.
Some doctors are now running mobile clinics for people affected by leprosy. These are a lifeline for those needing ulcer treatment and reconstructive surgery.
Leprosy and disability inclusion
We promote greater inclusion for people affected by leprosy in disability organisations, and in society more broadly.
We support a network of Disability Resource Centres across the country. These provide physical rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and ulcer care. People can also find special education services and counselling at these centres.
Partnering with faith communities
In a country where health and social care is now virtually non-existent, the church has had an important part to play. Fifteen churches have started running Disability Resource Centres.
In the remote and conflict-affected north-east of the country, we’re working with a church-run partner to find new cases of leprosy and raise awareness of the disease. We are also helping people to improve their livelihoods and nutrition.
We are training churches and theological colleges to identify the signs of leprosy. These places are important community centres, and we are advocating for greater inclusion of people affected by leprosy or disability too.
Empowering people affected by leprosy
We have supported them to launch their own organisation, the Myanmar Association for People Affected by Leprosy. Members provide peer support for people affected by leprosy, and advocate for their rights. They also raise awareness about leprosy, detect new cases, and tackle stigma.
