In a significant humanitarian effort, the Korean Civilian Mission, in collaboration with the Father John Lee Foundation, has provided much-needed assistance to leprosy patients in Juba County, South Sudan.
At least 100 individuals affected by leprosy in Luri Rokwe received essential non-food charitable gifts, including clothing, caps, and shoes, aiming to restore dignity and support their well-being.
Expressing gratitude for the continued humanitarian aid, Joseph Wani, a representative of the leprosy patients, highlighted the mission’s steadfast commitment to supporting the leprosy center and clinic.
“The Korean Civilian Mission has been a pillar of support for us, standing firm in their assistance,” Wani stated, noting that receiving new clothes was more than just a material benefit; it restored the patients’ sense of identity and dignity, and allowed them to feel included in society.
Wani further encouraged well-wishers and humanitarian organizations to extend their support, emphasizing that critical gaps remain in addressing the challenges faced by leprosy patients.
Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious illness caused by Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis. It primarily impacts the skin, nerves, respiratory tract, and eyes, leading to lesions, nerve damage, and muscle weakness.
Though modern medicine has made the disease entirely treatable, social stigma persists in certain communities, leading to the isolation of patients in South Sudan.
Kee Choon Kim, head of the Korean Civilian Mission and director of the Father John Lee Foundation, reaffirmed their commitment to helping vulnerable communities in South Sudan.
“Our mission was to provide non-food charitable gifts, including clothes, caps, and shoes, to 100 leprosy-affected individuals in Luri Rokwe, Juba County,” Kim explained.
Beyond material assistance, the mission has also introduced physical therapy programs, a new initiative aimed at improving mobility and health among affected individuals. The pilot program, conducted ahead of its official launch in July, seeks to offer long-term rehabilitative care.
Veteran football coach Hung Se Lim, a director at the mission, emphasized the collaborative efforts between the organisation and the Father John Lee Foundation in assisting leprosy patients.
“As part of our humanitarian outreach, we conducted a one-day mission to deliver aid and physical therapy to 100 leprosy patients in Luri Rokwe,” Lim said.
On Saturday, Father Kim and Coach Lim led physical therapy sessions for 20 severely affected patients before proceeding to the leprosy center to distribute clothing and medical adhesive supplies.
Since 2010, the Korean Civilian Mission and Father John Lee Foundation have been actively supporting vulnerable communities in South Sudan, working to build and operate specialized leprosy clinics that provide medical and social assistance.
Their continued efforts underscore a powerful message – leprosy patients deserve dignity, inclusion, and support, not isolation and stigma.
