In Nepal, leprosy patients continue to live under severe social stigma and massive discrimination. Many of those affected are therefore forced to live in isolation in remote rural regions or inaccessible mountainous areas, which significantly limits their access to medical care.
In addition, they usually have no or very limited income opportunities, which leads to additional social exclusion – often even within their own families.

In Nepal, around 2,500 to 3,000 new cases of leprosy are officially registered each year. However, experts believe that the actual number is significantly higher due to inadequate diagnostic structures, social taboos, and poor reporting systems.

In 2023 and 2024, members of the St. Lazarus Fund's board visited various communities of people affected by leprosy in Nepal and established partnerships with several specialized local partner organizations.

In close cooperation with these partners, a pilot project was initiated with the aim of securing and sustainably improving the livelihoods of those affected and their families in the long term.
The project promotes individual income opportunities, including through livestock breeding, the establishment of small workshops, and the setting up of village shops. The focus is particularly on the Pokhara region and the economically disadvantaged province of Madhesh near the Indian border, which is particularly affected by leprosy.
The recipients of the support join together in local self-help groups and decide jointly on the use of the funds provided.

As part of the current St. Lazarus Fund support program, a total of 28 households were selected in cooperation with local partners. These families live mainly in rural areas and are particularly dependent on support due to their precarious living conditions.
To strengthen their livelihoods, they received cows, goats, or chickens; simple stables were also built where necessary. In addition, during the on-site visits, warm blankets were distributed to particularly needy households to meet their immediate needs during the cold season.

The impressions gained on site clearly showed that these measures not only contributed to a significant material improvement, but also strengthened the self-esteem of those affected and gave them new courage to face life.