LEPROSY CRISIS IN INDIA
Imagine having a disease that negatively impacted every aspect of your life in a major way.
If the cure to that disease were available and free, could anything stop you from seeking it?
Leprosy is curable. The treatment has been available for free since 1995, yet, over 200,000 new cases of leprosy have been reported since 2015.
So, why is leprosy not actually eliminated? Why do so many continue to suffer from it?
The simple answer is also incredibly complex: Stigma.
In many parts of India, lingering effects from a now-outlawed Caste System prevail; this includes the belief that leprosy is a curse and the result of past wrongs. People affected by leprosy often live as outcasts in colonies away from cities, society, and educational/job opportunities.
Rising Star Outreach’s community-based approach tackles these issues from broad social angles to face the stigma head on.
WHAT WE’RE UP AGAINST
The number of new leprosy cases in India by the end of 2016
The estimated number of Indians now permanently disfigured by leprosy
The estimated number of leprosy colonies within India, today
“The biggest disease today is not leprosy or tuberculosis, but rather the feeling of being unwanted, uncared for, and deserted by everybody.”
– Mother Teresa
STORIES OF EMPOWERMENT
Meet some of the many inspiring faces of Rising Star Outreach
SOLUTIONS IN ACTION
Rising Star Outreach empowers individuals and families to rise above the stigma associated with leprosy and to live healthy, productive lives through quality education, medical care, and community development.
Our programs empower leprosy-affected individuals to develop sustainability in their colonies, and eliminate the stigma of leprosy in the communities that surround them.
The results we’re seeing are powerful and encouraging. There’s much more to do. Through people like you, these programs become lasting solutions to an ancient problem.
OUR IMPACT THROUGH
MEDICAL CARE
%
Of the 6,681 people that were screened for leprosy, 70 new cases were discovered. All patients were treated.
Our medical program provides treatment and support for people living with the deforming and debilitating effects of this terrible disease. Below are some of the treatments and care provided by Rising Star from April 2016 thru March 2017:
leprosy colonies with access to our care
Leprosy Screenings
other treatments
OUR IMPACT THROUGH
COLONY DEVELOPMENT
%
Repayment of Micro-Finance Loans.
Rising Star Outreach helps facilitate infrastructure, growth, and community development within India’s leprosy colonies. In 2022,
Micro Finance Loans
self-help groups empowered
clean water projects
OUR IMPACT THROUGH
EDUCATION
%
Repayment of Perpetual Education Grants
One of the fastest and most effective ways to overcome the stigma associated with leprosy is education.
Students K thru 12th Grade currently enrolled
Class of 2022 Graduates
Perpetual Education Grants
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
When you partner with Rising Star Outreach, you have a chance to be a part of this impact. Here’s how you can get involved.

SUPPORT A PROJECT
COMING SOON!
SPONSOR A CHILD
Form a lasting bond with your child
through meaningful interactions
START A CAMPAIGN
Introduce our mission to others
as you plan and carry out a campaign
ATTEND AN EVENT
Join us as we host multiple
events throughout the year
WORK WITH US
Interns and professional advisors
are invaluable to our growth
BE AN AMBASSADOR
Spread awareness about
our mission and programs
Ready to take action?
Donate today to make a lasting impact.

CONTACT US
PHONE
801.820.0466
EMAIL
hello@risingstaroutreach.org
OFFICE
3521 N. UNIVERSITY AVE, STE 250
PROVO, UT 84604