About Damien foundation india trust
Damien Foundation India Trust: A Charitable Organization Dedicated to Leprosy and TB Control
Damien Foundation India Trust is a charitable organization that has been actively engaged in leprosy control since 1955 and tuberculosis (TB) control since 1996. The foundation works in partnership with the Government of India's National Leprosy Eradication Program and Revised National TB Control Program to provide comprehensive care, support, and treatment to people affected by these diseases.
The foundation's mission is to eliminate leprosy and TB as public health problems in India by providing quality healthcare services, raising awareness about the diseases, promoting research, and advocating for policy changes. Damien Foundation India Trust believes that every person deserves access to affordable healthcare services regardless of their socio-economic status or geographic location.
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae bacteria that primarily affects the skin, nerves, eyes, and mucous membranes. It can cause severe disabilities if left untreated. Despite being curable with multidrug therapy (MDT), leprosy remains a significant public health problem in many parts of the world. In India alone, there were over 12000 new cases of leprosy reported in 2019.
TB is another infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria that primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body such as bones, joints, kidneys or brain. It spreads through air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If left untreated it can be fatal but it can be cured with proper medication for six months or more depending on severity.
Damien Foundation India Trust provides various services related to diagnosis & treatment of both these diseases including:
1) Early detection: The foundation conducts active case finding campaigns through community-based surveys using mobile clinics equipped with diagnostic tools like X-ray machines & GeneXpert machines which help detect cases early.
2) Treatment: The foundation provides free-of-cost multidrug therapy (MDT) for leprosy and TB medication to patients. It also provides nutritional support, physiotherapy, and counseling services to help patients cope with the disease.
3) Rehabilitation: The foundation runs rehabilitation centers for people affected by leprosy who have disabilities or deformities. These centers provide vocational training, self-help groups, and other support services to help them reintegrate into society.
4) Research & Advocacy: Damien Foundation India Trust conducts research on leprosy and TB to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. It also advocates for policy changes at the national level to ensure that people affected by these diseases receive adequate care and support.
The foundation has a team of dedicated healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses, social workers & community health workers who work tirelessly in remote areas of India where access to healthcare is limited. They conduct awareness campaigns in schools & communities about the importance of early detection & treatment of these diseases.
In conclusion, Damien Foundation India Trust is a charitable organization that has been working towards eliminating leprosy and TB as public health problems in India since 1955. Its comprehensive approach towards diagnosis & treatment along with rehabilitation services has helped thousands of people affected by these diseases lead better lives. With its continued efforts towards research & advocacy at the national level it aims to achieve its goal of a Leprosy-free India soon!