History of The Leprosy Mission
 The history of The Leprosy Mission begins with Wellesley Bailey in 1869. There was no cure when he started his work, but he did what others were not willing to do: treat the leprosy patient with love and kindness. Even today, the simple compassion shown by TLM staff is greatly beneficial to the person affected by leprosy.
The Leprosy Mission Canada was formed in Guelph in 1892. Since then, we have supported those affected by this terrible disease. When a cure was found, our work became diagnosing and bringing the cure to as many as possible. Our work now still includes these things - and so much more. It includes rehabilitation, small business loans, training, running self help groups and teaching people to live with the effects of leprosy.
From small beginnings, through the generosity of Canadians, we have grown to be one of the largest councils in The Leprosy Mission International.
Timeline:- 1869: Irishman Wellesley Bailey began working with people with leprosy in Punjab, India.
- 1874: "The Mission to Lepers in India" was formally established.
- 1892: Mr. and Mrs. Watt of Guelph, Ontario, opened their home to Wellesley Bailey, who spoke about leprosy. This initial encounter with The Mission inspired Canadians to come alongside as the first North American supporters.
- 1913: Australia and New Zealand joined the work. The Mission had no geographic borders and was now called "The Mission to Lepers."
- 1917: Wellesley Bailey retired and Canadian William Anderson was called to Britain to fill his position.
- 1950s: Mission surgeon Dr. Paul Brand pioneered surgical solutions to claw hand and foot drop - two disabilities from leprosy which severely handicapped its victims. His wife, Dr. Margaret Brand, poured her energies into caring for patients whose eyes were affected by leprosy.
- 1962: To take away the stigma of the disease and the tendency to brand people as lepers, The Mission to Lepers changed its name to The Leprosy Mission.
- 1982: Major breakthrough! Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) was discovered. In mild cases, leprosy patients could be fully cured within 6 months. More severe cases require 2 years of concentrated treatment.
- Present: The Leprosy Mission is working in over 30 countries and raising support in over 20 countries worldwide.
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