Why bother?

Leprosy is a disease with a long history connected with many countries.

It has influenced kings, shaped communities and formed attitudes. 

It has brought out both the best and the worst in humankind: personal courage, loving care and scientific perseverance on one side; cruelty against fellow human beings on the other.

In much of the world it is gradually being conquered, but it leaves behind it a knowledge and an experience which is of great medical, historical and sociological value.

You can help to ensure that leprosy is properly documented by saving the archives in your care and ensuring that they are there for people in the future to learn from

You can help to ensure that it is properly documented by saving the archives in your care and ensuring that they are there for people in the future to learn from.

Without them there will be little to document the progress of the disease as the memories of those who have experience of it, either as patients or carers, are lost.

Bear in mind that good record keeping for organisations will also save money.

If you cannot house the material safely or have concerns that it may not survive, consider offering it to another archive or library.