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SAMARTH

A Mental Health Initiative for Persons Affected by Leprosy and Lymphatic Filariasis

People affected by leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF) often experience poor mental health due to stigma, disability, social isolation, and limited access to psychosocial support. Addressing mental well-being is critical to improving overall health and quality of life. 

To respond to this need, LEPRA Society launched the SAMARTH Project in 2021 with support from Effect Hope (Canada) and LEPRA UK. SAMARTH is a community-based mental health initiative designed to strengthen self-care, psychosocial support, and community resilience among people affected by leprosy and LF. 

Where We Work

The SAMARTH project is implemented in Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh 

What We Do

  • Create and support 100+ SSGs (Self-Support Groups -community groups made up of people affected by leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF) in three blocks of Chhatarpur District – Rajnagar, Gaurihar, and Luv-Kush Nagar
  • Hold monthly SSG meetings to discuss health, mental well-being, and peer support
  • Provide training and guidance on self-care, including skin care, wound care, exercises, and use of protective footwear
  • Offer health counselling, on symptoms, positive mental health, and government schemes
  • Support SSG governance and leadership, helping groups manage themselves effectively and sustainably
  • Introduce mindfulness exercises and peer counselling to improve mental and emotional well-being

Key Achievements

Supported over 1,200+ people affected by leprosy and LF by organising them into 109 Self-Support Groups during Phase I

  • Provided training on disease management, mental health, and disability prevention
  • Improved well-being and self-care practices through peer counselling and integrated care
  • Phase II focuses on sustainability, with leadership transitioned to trained community members using the UPLIFT CBG manual
  • SSGs linked with public health programs like WASH, vector control, MDA, and LCDC(leprosy case detection campaign)
  • SAMARTH serves as a replicable model for integrating mental health into NTD care

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