An Afternoon of Learning and Hope with The Leprosy Mission Australia

Yesterday I had the treat of attending The Leprosy Mission Australia’s afternoon tea at The Marion, and what an afternoon it was. Over tea and scones, surrounded by some impressive Canberrans, we heard firsthand about the remarkable progress being made to eliminate one of the world’s oldest diseases.

Greg Clarke, CEO of The Leprosy Mission Australia, and Jolene Molloy shared stories, science, and hope in a way that left us both informed and inspired.

One of the most fascinating takeaways was learning about the armadillo’s unusual connection to leprosy. Armadillos can naturally carry the bacteria that causes the disease, making them a surprising but vital part of research. We also learnt about studies using mouse paws to better understand the bacteria and, importantly, the mice remain unaffected by the disease.

On the treatment front, it was uplifting to hear how antibiotics are successfully curing leprosy and how these treatments have dramatically reduced cases worldwide. The disease is now on the verge of eradication! An extraordinary milestone considering its long history.

To keep us on our toes, there was a fun pop quiz on armadillos with packets of coffee as prizes. The coffee came from The Leprosy Mission’s own shop, where you can also pick up hats, croc shoe charms, and other items that support their work. It was a light-hearted moment that reminded us how small actions, like buying a bag of coffee, can contribute to something much bigger.

What struck me most, though, was the sense of hope and dedication in the room. The Leprosy Mission has been working tirelessly for more than 150 years, and thanks to their global partnerships the stigma, suffering, and spread of leprosy are being addressed head-on.