To mark the 57th World Leprosy Day, today, The Order of Charity, affiliated to the Grand Priory of the Maltese Islands of the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem, is appealing for donations towards missions working among lepers.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, attacks the peripheral nerves and, if left untreated, can cause permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes.

A combination of three separate medications kills the bacteria that cause leprosy. On average, the cost to bring the cure and necessary treatment after medication to the patient is only about €190.

Today in Asia, Africa and Latin America, leprosy is still an active health and social problem. Approximately 700,000 new cases appear every year in third world countries.

Severe social stigma is often placed on people suffering from the disease.

World Leprosy Day was founded in 1954 by Raoul Follereau and is remembered in approximately 140 countries. Those wishing to make a donation are asked to address it to The Order of Charity, Catholic Institute, Floriana, FRN 1441.