HD has been known as a disfiguring disease and because of this, many patients suffer severe stigmatisation and prejudice even after being cured. Now that HD has become curable, without residual disabilities when treated early, the social concept of HD has to change. Once cured, people should be able to find their due places in society. However, innovative approaches are needed to change the image of HD, and thus to permit the recovery of the human dignity of those who have been cured.

SMHF has worked closely with organisations such as International Association for Integration, Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA) and International Leprosy Union (ILU). These groups operate on the principle that the stigma associated with HD, and the accompanying social isolation, will only be eliminated when those who have personally experienced this disease have regained their identity, self-confidence and dignity. These things are all too often taken away from them by the disease and society's treatment of them. In this regard, SMHF encouraged initiatives and leadership by the people affected by HD themselves, and pushes society to recognise the deep-rooted social issues of HD.

To this goal, SMHF supports activities;
* to provide socio-economic rehabilitation assistance
* to provide scholarships to children disadvantaged by HD
* to improve the living standard of HD villages and colonies
* to hold empowerment workshops
* to support organisations by and for people affected by HD
* to provide the platform to voice thoughts and ideas of people affected by HD
* to change the mindset of society regarding HD, and
* to promote human rights of people affected by HD

Socio-Economic Rehabilitation

SMHF has funded organisations run skills training courses and provided initial costs to facilitate micro enterprises for self-employment for those who had HD in order to enable these individuals to regain economic autonomy in China, India, Philippines, Nepal, and Ethiopia.

Our assistance include;
* Training courses in sewing, fish farming, and machine repair, pig-, chicken-, goat-, and goose farming
* Income generating activities such as shoe-, bicycle repair, weaving, food stall and others.

People affected by Hansen's Disease do not need charity, but the opportunity to show we are capable and, in so doing, perhaps change the world.
Cristiano Torres, Brazil

Scholarships

Education is a key factor to promote inclusion in the community and prospects for future employment. It helps break the cycle of poverty and social exclusion often experienced by the people themselves, as well as the families of those who have had HD. SMHF has provided scholarships to children in Nepal, India, China, Myanmar, Philippines and Ethiopia.

My father has had leprosy, and my family all suffered from discrimination and hatred due to my father's disease. With no hope in the village, we left for Kathmandu. I am studying very hard to be a good student. I would like to be an engineer in the future.
Dipesh Thapa, Nepal