Residents of Meherpur have reportedly been deprived of leprosy prevention and treatment services after an international donor organisation ended its partnership with local NGO Shalom, Church of Bangladesh, citing alleged corruption and legal disputes involving the organisation.
Shalom, Church of Bangladesh, formerly known as Church of Bangladesh Social Development Programme (CBSDP), has been operating since 1983. It adopted its current name in 2016.
The NGO's microcredit programme became embroiled in corruption allegations and court cases, prompting The Leprosy Mission International Bangladesh (TLMIB) to discontinue its partnership in Meherpur.
TLMIB launched leprosy control activities in the district in 2015 after Meherpur was identified as a leprosy "red zone". The programme was part of efforts to support Bangladesh's goal of eliminating leprosy by 2030.
With the partnership ending, residents of Meherpur, one of the districts considered at high risk for the disease, have reportedly lost access to TLMIB's services.
Local residents have urged TLMIB to resume its leprosy programme in Meherpur through another credible NGO.
TLMIB had identified 786 leprosy patients in the district, according to the report.
The organisation also held skin camps and awareness programmes, formed self-help groups for leprosy patients and persons with disabilities, and has identified 829 leprosy patients in the district, all of whom are receiving treatment.
Attempts to contact the president of Shalom, Church of Bangladesh for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not answer repeated phone calls.
MRA/ SKS
