About Us
The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) is an international Christian development organization that aims to bring healing and restoration to people affected by leprosy and other neglected tropical diseases as well as people living with disabilities in Nigeria.
TLMN believes in the importance of ensuring that from first contact to the last, people affected by leprosy are treated with dignity, fairness, integrity and openness. Our programs involve collaborating with hospitals, faith based organizations, corporate organizations, community leaders, volunteers, government at all levels and individuals to provide holistic transformation to the lives of people affected by leprosy.
History and Introduction
Founded in 1874, The Leprosy Mission (TLM) is an international Christian leprosy-focused organization, a key player in the fight against leprosy.
A Global Fellowship comprising members from 29 different countries who work with people of all faiths and none to bring about the defeat of leprosy and transformation in the lives of people affected, collaborating with the local church and other stakeholder.
The Mission’s founders, Wellesley and Alice Bailey, saw the terrible situations suffered by people affected by leprosy and were appalled. They determined to do something about it. Following their example, The Leprosy Mission is committed to showing the love of Christ to those affected and to defeating the power of leprosy.
Between 1920 and 1960, through partnerships with mission agencies and churches existing in Nigeria, The Leprosy Mission International provided financial and technical assistance to leprosy centers in Alushi (Adamawa State), Ochadamu (Kogi State), Uzuakoli (Abia State) and Ekpene Obom (Akwa Ibom State).
Invitation from Federal Government of Nigeria
In 1988, confronted by increasing prevalence of tuberculosis and leprosy, the Federal Government of Nigeria launched the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme and invited four organizations
Including The Leprosy Mission International (TLMI) to assist Nigeria in fighting tuberculosis and leprosy. TLMI was subsequently appointed to coordinate leprosy control programmes in ten states namely: Akwa Ibom, Benue, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Sokoto, Zamfara States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. These ten states and the FCT-Abuja have an estimated population of over 38,882,166 people (2006 Census) and surface area of 259,952km2. There are also about 485,271 people affected by leprosy and disabilities residing in these areas, many of whom require various forms of care and support.
Incorporation in Nigeria
In March 2001, the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria, incorporated The Leprosy Mission by the name, The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN).
to raise support (prayers and financial) for the care and restoration of persons affected by leprosy in Nigeria. TLMN now conducts the activities of The Leprosy Mission International in Nigeria through a memorandum of understanding between the two organizations.