Rufiji Leprosy Trust is a charitable trust supporting the Kindwitwi Leprosy Care Centre in the Rufiji area of Tanzania.
The care centre assists in:
~ finding and treating people living with leprosy in the Rufiji area
~ supporting people all people affected by leprosy throughout the Rufiji area
~ promoting self-sufficiency of people living with leprosy and their families.
As leprosy is curable, many think the disease is no longer a problem, however it is listed as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) by the World Health Organisation, which means it is especially common in some of the world’s poorest areas.
The Trust prides itself on being totally managed by volunteer Trustees; the only paid employees are those who carry out the Trust’s work in Tanzania.
Please read on to find out more about our work, to make a donation or to catch up on the latest news.
Latest News
News from the Trustees
This year Alex De Waal and his father Victor have relinquished their trustee roles. They continue to support the Trust, Alex via his Role of President and Victor as a Patron of Rufiji Leprosy Trust, alongside Baroness Sheila Hollins.
Our very long-term supporters will remember that Alex and Victor are founder members of the Rufiji Leprosy Trust, which they set up back in 1983 when Alex wanted to raise £10,000 to buy a Land Rover for Kindwitwi Leprosy Village, as it was then known.
So much has been achieved since then for the Kindwitwi community and the wider Rufiji District, with RLT providing support for many people affected by leprosy, as well as funds for the outreach case finding work and support for health workers working to reduce the stigma and prevalence of leprosy in the area.
Thank you Alex and Victor for your wisdom and guidance over the years you have been trustees.
Screenshot
Screenshot
Recent projects
As well as working with RLT, FRRTL works with local government departments who have recently funded a variety of projects, including an iron grid to prevent crocodile injuries when villagers collect water from the river, renovations and staff accommodation for Kindwitwi Dispensary and the building of a new primary school in Kindwitwi village.
Screenshot
News from the Village
The FRRTL Board includes representatives from the village, the dispensary, the District TB and Leprosy Coordinator, our centre manager, our accounts managerand members who have significant experience working with other Tanzanian Non-Government Organisations.
Screenshot