Christian group to provide aid to thousands of leprosy sufferers

A Christian organization will provide medical aid and other supplies to over 4,000 leprosy patients across 63 colonies in South Asia.

A sister group of Compassion will provide the necessary aid for the patients in commemoration for World Leprosy Day, January 31. They are supported by Gospel For Asia (GFA), and are often providing help across the region. 

According to the founder and international director of Gospel for Asia, K.P. Yohannan, majority of the people who suffer most are those living below the poverty line. Symptoms of leprosy include clawed hands, damaged vision, lost tissues all around the body and permanently damaged feet.

"World Leprosy Day underscores the need to eradicate this terrible disease, while at the same time bringing comfort to those afflicted in the name of Jesus," Yohannan added.

World Leprosy Day, celebrated at the end of this month, marks the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, an active advocate to provide the help needed by individuals with leprosy.

The sickness is among the most popular illnesses since Biblcal times. According to it's teachings, Jesus himself healed a number of people who suffered from leprosy.

Today, the disease is highly curable, with medicines available from the World Health Organization (WHO). However, data from 2014 revealed that there were still about 180,000 people all over the world who suffered from leprosy during the year's first quarter.

For people who are undergoing treatment, proper hygiene and food are important to help the body recover. That is why the GFA are working hand in hand with Sisters of Compassion to provide blankets and food.

Yohannan called for people to follow Christ's example in showing compassion and helping people with leprosy.