Abstract
Stigma in leprosy results out of complex historical, cultural, physical and psycho-social factors, which makes the disease altogether the most stigmatised of all. In contrary to the stagnant Annual New Case Detection Rate in India, the proportion of Grade-2 disabilities at diagnosis is increasing continuously and therefore projecting lifelong care requirements for decades into the future. Historically, the Mahabharata, itself one of the foundational epics of modern Hinduism includes the hero Asvhatthaman, that many leprosy affected persons still believe to be descendants of, showcasing the deep roots of the disease in Indian culture. To tackle stigmatization in leprosy one structural approach exists in the extended bio-psycho-social concept of medicine, broadened by the dimensions of sexuality as well as spirituality, covered by broad education and awareness and an obligatory integrative linkage of all activities. As one best-practice example, the Doctor Typhagne Memorial Charitable Trust is presented, embracing an integrative model of care and caring for thousands of leprosy patients before, during and after treatment each year.
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