Leprosy BRIGHT Ethiopia

BRIGHT Ethiopia – United Against Leprosy, Exclusion, and Poverty

Ethiopia is one of the countries with the highest number of new leprosy infections, particularly among women and children in remote areas. Due to delayed diagnoses, many patients develop severe disabilities. Leprosy not only causes physical harm but also leads to social exclusion: individuals affected by the disease are often excluted from access to healthcare, education, employment, and even community life. Many live in extreme poverty, relying on begging or informal aid. Stigma, discrimination, and the effects of climate change further increase their vulnerability.

What Leprosy Does
Tesfaye is a man in his early forties and a father of five. He lives on the outskirts of Shashemene, a mid-sized city in southern Ethiopia. He once had a steady job as a guard for a large agricultural company. But when he became ill and was diagnosed with leprosy, he was dismissed and sent away. He lost his income and was no longer able to pay rent for his modest home. His situation became critical. Fortunately, a turning point came. With the support of a local leprosy organization, Tesfaye received some resources and began developing a small tree nursery. Although his hands are partially deformed, both he and his business are now thriving. In fact, he is seen as a respected entrepreneur in his community.

“For a long time, I worried about how I could raise my children well, especially financially. I’m so grateful for this tree nursery. Now I have something I can pass on to my children.” — Tesfaye, recovering from leprosy

What BRIGHT Offers as a Solution
The BRIGHT program, run by The Leprosy Mission, seeks to break the vicious cycle of disease, exclusion, and poverty in the Oromia and Amhara regions, areas that account for 86% of new leprosy cases in Ethiopia. The program rests on three key pillars:

1. Prevention of New Infections
   Healthcare workers are trained and active campaigns are conducted to promote early detection and treatment of leprosy.
2. Medical Care and Assistive Devices
   People living with leprosy-related disabilities are given access to affordable prosthetics and orthopedic footwear through a local workshop.
3. Self-Reliance Through Local Churches
   Churches play a central role. Local pastors seek out individuals affected by leprosy, assess their needs, and help them start income-generating activities such as climate-resilient agriculture. They provide practical assistance, spiritual care, and pray with families. In this way, Christ’s love becomes visible in communities that are often forgotten.

Impact
Thanks to the BRIGHT project, over 15,000 people are reached directly and indirectly each year in Ethiopia. Leprosy requires a comprehensive, community-based response. The impact of the program includes:

• 200+ healthcare providers and community members trained in identifying and treating leprosy;
• 8,200 people screened for leprosy and other skin diseases;
• 400+ new leprosy cases identified and treated;
• 100 families organized into self-help groups, resulting in a stable income for approximately 500 people;
• 10 local churches actively supporting people with leprosy in accessing government services and launching job-creation initiatives;
• 5,000 church members trained in recognizing and caring for people affected by leprosy;
  At the ALERT Leprosy Hospital workshop in Addis Ababa, 110 to 1,400 people annually receive prosthetics or orthopedic shoes (depending on patient needs);
• The project also strengthens the national health system by improving registration and early detection efforts.

We expect sustainable long-term impact as the project focuses on early detection, economic empowerment, and—most importantly—equips local churches and their members to embrace their diaconal and pastoral responsibilities in their own communities. Similar BRIGHT projects in Bangladesh and Myanmar have already shown excellent results. We anticipate comparable outcomes in Ethiopia.

Project Funding
The annual budget required for the next three years is €100.000 per year. Your contribution creates direct impact: it prevents the spread of infection, improves livelihoods, and provides tangible care to people affected by leprosy in Ethiopia. With €100.000 annually, we can deliver quality care to 15,000 people each year. In addition, local churches are equipped and mobilized to take on a proactive role in both social and spiritual care—a living example of the Good Samaritan at work!

MissionInvest Endorsement
In March 2025, MissionInvest and several donors visited various projects in Ethiopia, including this initiative by The Leprosy Mission. One particularly moving moment was our visit to a small leprosy settlement outside the city. There, we met Tesfaye and his family. The situation brought to mind the biblical account of lepers living in isolation. It’s heartbreaking to see the suffering and deformities up close, especially knowing that leprosy is a preventable disease if caught early. This visit deeply moved me and strengthened my commitment to support this project!