Venkatesh Naidu - Karuna Project

About Me

Since the inception of the Karuna Project, I have dedicated myself to serving individuals affected by leprosy. Over the past 24 years, this journey of service has brought immense purpose and fulfillment to my life. From cleaning wounds to sitting and listening to those living with leprosy, each act of care has deepened my compassion and commitment to their well-being.

I support the cause of eradicating leprosy—join me in making a difference. Your contribution can help bring us closer to a leprosy-free world.

Appeal

Leprosy, a curable disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, remains burdened by societal stigma and misconceptions, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Often misinterpreted as common skin conditions, symptoms like hypo-pigmented patches, skin nodules, and nerve damage progress undetected, resulting in severe deformities. Insufficient awareness and knowledge about available resources further exacerbate the issue.

Since its inception in 2000, the Karuna Project of Stepping Stone Charitable Society, Mumbai, has worked tirelessly to provide holistic care for leprosy-affected individuals and their families. Initially offering mobile clinics with basic healthcare and hygiene services, the initiative has grown into a comprehensive program addressing physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being. Over 24 years, the project has delivered over 100,000 treatments, supported by a dedicated team.

Recent efforts focus on early detection, mobile clinics, house-to-house surveys, and self-care training, alongside awareness campaigns, microfinance programs, and livelihood and entrepreneurial skill-building for economic independence. The project has also collaborated with the Maharashtra Government under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme, screening 16,500 individuals in two years and identifying 484 new cases now undergoing treatment.

To achieve the goal of zero leprosy transmission by 2027, the Karuna Project of Stepping Stone Charitable Society continues to expand outreach into rural areas, partnering with local health workers and primary health centers to detect and treat cases promptly.

Your contribution will have a direct impact on the lives of those most vulnerable, saving them from lifelong disabilities, restoring their dignity, and bringing hope to their families. Together, we can create a future free from the suffering and stigma of leprosy.

Thank you for your generous donation to Karuna! We appreciate your support and will keep you updated on our progress. Please feel free to contact me for any updates, or inquiries or to get involved.

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