Better Living Environment

The living standards of people affected by HD living in villages or colonies throughout the world are often horrendous. This is due to stigma and socio-economic seclusion. There is often a chronic shortage of even the most basic human needs, such as access to water, safe housing, and sanitation. Although our ultimate goal is for the people to be economically and socially independent, we support projects to improve the living standard of those who need the most immediate assistance, especially in poverty stricken areas and villages where there are no young people to support the remaining aged and disabled people.

Our support for communities like this include projects in Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nigeria, China, Philippines, India, and many other countries.

Empowerment Workshops

Advocacy and capacity building workshops are conducted empower people affected by HD. These workshops provide opportunities for self-expression and discussion with health professionals and government officials. They enable needs to be identified and courses of action to be plotted. This helps reduce the stigma and provides opportunities for the people affected by HD, so that they can improve their lives.

To realise our wishes, we have to raise our voice with our heads held high, telling people the true facts about the disease, fighting for the restoration of our own rights!
Feng Ke Teng, China

Networking

Many people affected by HD live in remote and isolated colonies around the world. For decades, they have been unable to raise their voices and demand the things they want or need. They have been perceived as beggars and voiceless objects of charity. Recently however, individuals from around the world who have been affected by the disease have begun to gather together to create an international network. SMHF believes that this network is a key to preparing people to make their own decisions and thus determine their own future.

It is not only those affected by the disease who need to change. Each of us has a responsibility as well. Society at large needs to change, so that those who have been affected by the disease can begin to live without a fear of being discriminated against, or stigmatised. Different components of society ― the media, NGOs, individuals and of course those who have been affected by the disease ― need to develop strong partnership. SMHF supports these efforts to unite people affected by HD, to network these groups, and thus to strengthen ties among or between the groups within society.

Unless we stand together as one,
our chances of living a dignified life was next to impossible
Brahm Dutt, India

Human Rights Promotion

SMHF is involved in tackling social discrimination faced by people affected by HD, and assists in activities that promote and protect their human rights. It supports seminars and initiatives so that the issue of discrimination against HD-affected individuals and families will be effectively addressed by the UN Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.