Kushtia Correspondent:
Mukti Nari-O-Shishu Unnayan Sangstha on the World Leprosy Day 2021 provided financial support to persons affected by leprosy to boost their Income Generating Activities (IGA) in Kushtia.
Financial supports to start IGA were distributed among persons affected by leprosy after a discussion session on leprosy at Kushtia Civil Surgeon Office.
Kushtia Civil Surgeon Dr. H.M. Anawarul Islam; Senior Health Education Officer Md. Wahiduzzaman; PO Ronjit Pal; Dr. Md. Rakibul Hasan, Dr. Md. Nazmun Monir and heath assistants of Civil Surgeon Office were present on behalf of the local health authorities. 
Meanwhile, Momotaz Ara Begum, Executive Director, Mukti Nari-O-Shishu Unnayan Sangstha; Alex Frank Raulim, Monitoring and Documentation Manager, The Leprosy Mission International – Bangladesh, staff members of Mukti Nari-O-Shishu Unnayan Sangstha and persons affected by leprosy were present at the event.
Protective mask, antiseptic soap and blankets were also distributed among persons affected by leprosy in the event.
Mukti Nari-O-Shishu Unnayan Sangstha has been implementing a project title “COVID-19 Support Project for Persons Affected by Leprosy” supported by Sasakawa Health Foundation (SHF), Japan and in partnership with Advancing Leprosy and Disadvantaged Peoples Opportunities Society (ALO).
The persons received IGA supports, lost their income-generating options during the COVID-19 pandemic and were unable to restart their income options although the countrywide lockdown was taken off. 
Mukti Nari-O-Shishu Unnayan Sangstha has been implementing other leprosy-focused project in Kushtia district in partnership with Activating and Engaging Partnerships to reduce leprosy in Bangladesh (AEP) project of The Leprosy Mission International – Bangladesh (TLMI-B).
Receiving IGA supports, the persons affected by leprosy were overwhelmed with happiness since they have got a new dream to restart their livelihoods.
One of them said “I gave up hopes of re-opening my tea stall which was close during the COVID-19 lockdown period. But now I will be able to do so as I have money. I am very much thankful to Mukti Nari-O-Shishu Unnayan Sangstha, ALO and Sasakawa Health Foundation for the cash support in this crucial time.”
