Remembering World Leprosy Day

John Bradburne with patient at Mutemwa

Source: JBMS

The John Bradburne Society (JBMS) is marking World Leprosy Day today so that we do not forget the continuing challenge that is caused by leprosy. This chronic disease has no respect of a person's race, gender or age, it has no boundaries on who it affects.

Leprosy still exists today within Zimbabwe, which was thought to have been eradicated a few years ago, but sadly, the numbers are going up again.

Many people living in the remote and rural areas of Zimbabwe have difficulty in accessing health care, due to high costs of travel and going to the doctor to be diagnosed and treated. There are long distances to reach the health care providers. Due to the stigma against people with leprosy, many do not seek help when first symptoms appear, causing delays in diagnosis and the development of disabilities.

JBMS is aiming to increase the public understanding of leprosy, and tackle the social stigma that is associated to a curable disease, when caught early enough and when treatment is started and followed through.

Mutemwa is situated 143 kilometres east of Harare and was first established in 1937. At present there are 16 people living with leprosy and 15 destitute residents who suffer a variety of physical and mental challenges.

From 1969-1979, John Bradburne, now recognised as 'Servant of God', was the warden for Mutemwa. He spent the last ten years of his life assisting people living with leprosy through feeding, caring, bathing those who needed help and kept vigil with those who were very sick, and buried the dead. John was helped by his friend, Dr Luisa Guidotti ('Venerable') from the All Souls Mission Hospital. She made weekly visits to the patients carrying out health checks, dispensing medication and bandaging wounds. John's care was rooted in his faith and love for those who were marginalised. He lived alongside them and gave them unconditional love and uplifting spirituality, with a desire to change the lives of those less fortunate. John brought this neglected and forgotten community a renewed faith in God, giving them hope and unconditional love, which created in them a great happiness and joy.

JBMS endeavours to continue the work that John started in support of the Mutemwa Leprosy Care Centre and its community. Together with your kind support and prayers, we continue to maintain our promise to uphold John's legacy and do all we can in support of those living at Mutemwa.

For more information and if you would like to support the centre, see: www.johnbradburne.com
Phone: 0044 7979 187498
Post: JBMS, Po Box 32, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 0YB