The ALO Society has successfully implemented the ‘NTD Innovation Prize 2022’ project in Bangladesh, providing digital leprosy complication care and follow-up services. This initiative, in partnership with 17 leprosy and disabled people’s organizations, focuses on involving leprosy-affected individuals and their families in patient care while promoting self-care awareness among the beneficiaries.

The project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of American Leprosy Missions (ALM) as the founding partner and The Leprosy Mission International-Bangladesh (TLMI-B), which provided technical support. The ALO Society, showing commendable commitment, used its own funds to kick-start the project while awaiting NGO registration approval.

The implementation strategy involved selecting 10 federations in hilly and remote areas and five in the Sylhet division, extending to Bagerhat and Satkhira Districts. These organizations played a crucial role in reaching unserved vulnerable populations, ensuring that leprosy complication support was accessible even in the most remote regions.

Complication Care Support: Beneficiaries Served: Since the project’s inception, 201 individuals (75 females and 126 males) received leprosy complication care.
Follow-Up: 683 follow-up sessions ensured continuous treatment, with services including ulcer care (116 individuals), reaction care support (9 individuals), and physiotherapy (76 individuals).
Supplementary Materials and Medication:

Provision: 149 beneficiaries received medications, including normal saline solutions, vitamins, and other necessary medicines, distributed by Community Resource Persons (CRPs) alongside prescribed medications from doctors.
Dressing Materials: CRPs were equipped with comprehensive dressing materials sets to facilitate effective ulcer dressing.
Emergency Hospital Referrals:

Support: Seven beneficiaries with severe complications were referred to hospitals, supported financially and logistically by CRPs.
Engagement: 81 federation leaders conducted 92 household visits, providing extensive support and guidance on self-care practices.
Monitoring and Technical Support: ALO staff and leaders visited implementation areas to monitor progress and provide technical support.
Digital Tools and Training: Mobile Phones: 17 mobile phones were distributed to facilitate digital reporting and communication.
Training Workshop: A two-day training workshop was conducted in April 2023, focusing on leprosy complication care and digital reporting.
Outcomes and Impact: Beneficiaries have shown significant improvement, with 91 individuals demonstrating progress in their condition.
Family Engagement: 104 families have become actively involved in patient care, highlighting the increasing awareness and participation.
Self-Care Practices: 132 beneficiaries have adopted regular self-care practices, showing a better understanding of their conditions and appropriate care methods.

Environmental and Logistical Challenges: Heavy rainfall, language barriers, and limited network connectivity in remote areas posed significant challenges.Continuous efforts are required to fully engage all family members in patient care.Sustainable Self-Care: Establishing effective self-care routines among beneficiaries is crucial for managing their conditions.
The ALO Society’s Digital Leprosy Complication Care Project has made significant strides in providing comprehensive care services to individuals affected by leprosy in Bangladesh. The project’s success is a testament to the dedication of ALO, its partners, and the involved community organizations. Moving forward, ALO remains committed to expanding its reach and impact, ensuring that individuals affected by leprosy receive the care and support they need to lead healthier lives.