Vaccine Research – Finding Better Ways to Diagnose
                                  and Prevent Disease

In 2006, to mark our 100th anniversary, we made a renewed commitment to work towards the development of the world's first leprosy vaccine and a new leprosy diagnostic test in partnership with the non-profit Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI) in Seattle, Washington. As of 2010, we have raised $3.2 million for research and assembled a team of more than twenty experts to develop the vaccine and diagnostic test.

Why is a leprosy vaccine needed?

• Leprosy remains one of the most dreaded diseases in the world - a disease that isolates and shames its victims.
• Active leprosy cases and leprosy-related disabilities affect more than 4 million people in the world today.
• Immunizations are the most cost-effective way to eliminate disease.

What could be the impact of a new diagnostic test?
Leprosy diagnosis currently requires a well-trained clinician who can recognize the symptoms. This can be impossible in poor, remote areas. The hope is that a new, diagnostic test would be easy to administer and catch the disease early, before symptoms appear and nerve damage occurs. A simple diagnostic test would enable field workers to quickly and accurately diagnose leprosy and provide faster treatment.

A simple diagnostic test would enable field workers to quickly and accurately diagnose leprosy and provide faster treatment.

By God's grace and with your partnership, we will be able to more quickly diagnose children like Munni and spare them the devastation and heartbreak of leprosy. Read Munni's story.

Vaccine Update
In late October 2011, more than 20 scientists and global health experts gathered at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health to discuss the current leprosy vaccine research. Read the full press release.

Donate now to help children like Munni.