Healthcare – Renovation of Sonepur Leprosy Care Centre, Odisha state, India

To help fight leprosy, a devastating disease, DATUM’s proposed healthcare project for 2023 is the renovation of the existing Sonepur Leprosy Care Centre in Odisha State, India.

DATUM is partnering LEPRA UK to ensure people affected by leprosy in Sonepur and the surrounding region in Odisha State in India can have access to good quality leprosy healthcare. LEPRA have been providing treatment and support to individuals and communities affected by this disease in India and Bangladesh for nearly 100 years.

The existing Sonepur Leprosy Care Centre serves a predominantly rural region where more than 28% of the population classified as poor. It provides a whole range of patient leprosy services, including diagnostics, ulcer treatment, physiotherapy, and the supply of tailormade footwear and disability aids. But, sadly it is in a very poor condition – so much so – that certain buildings can no longer be used. Urgent repairs that are needed to the buildings, along with upgrading the electrical systems, re- decoration, furnishing, and equipment.