Support the Cured Lepers Village, Ankaful, Ghana

   We often think of leprosy as a disease of the distant past, however leprosy continues to be a threat in many developing countries. When I was a medical volunteer in Ghana, I had the opportunity to work at a village for cured lepers in Ankaful, Cape Coast region.

  Due to the stigma of the disease, the approximately 140 residents that live in Ankaful have been banished from their homes and families, and though their leprosy is cured, they continue to suffer much morbidity from their condition, including nonhealing wounds and severe neuropathy, as well as lack of social support such as groceries and toiletries. In the village, we regularly cleaned and dressed their wounds, and ensured they had supplies for self-case. I was very proud of the service I was able to give these individuals.

   The village has come to depend on the steady influx of volunteers to keep their their physical care and supplies funded. Due to the current pandemic, volunteer trips have been postponed, and the residents are losing much needed support.

   I will be collecting money on their behalf, ad transferring it via World Remit to the volunteer coordinator in Cape Coast, Ghana, Grant Essel Appiah. My fundraiser is one of three being organized both in the US and Europe, where the majority of volunteers live. 
   I hope you will consider a donation to help the cured lepers of Ghana during this difficult time. Feel free to PM me with any questions. Many thanks.

Link to the volunteer program I completed:
https://www.projects-abroad.org/projects/medicine-internship-ghana/

An article discussing the difficulties of living with leprosy in Ghana: https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2017/jan/29/ghana-leprosy-in-pictures-joan-wakelin-bursary