The Leprosy Mission Australia is committed to the empowerment of individuals, families, and communities affected by leprosy or at risk of the disease. Such people often suffer from lack of choice and are usually powerless to change their situation. The Leprosy Mission Australia wants to help them enlarge their choices, and to encourage and enable them to take part in decisions affecting their lives. The Leprosy Mission Australia's goal is empowerment, not dependency. Empowerment enables each person affected by leprosy to reach their potential as a full participant in their community, which gives them pride, dignity, and a sense of worth. In the end, we want to hear people say, “I've been cured of leprosy AND I am a valued and respected person.” The Leprosy Mission Australia works in partnership with individuals and communities affected by leprosy in 29 countries worldwide, in order to restore and enhance human dignity, self-reliance, and quality of life. The Leprosy Mission Australia does all of its work in and under the name of Jesus Christ. Over 2000 national and international staff work together to provide appropriate medical, educational, and other services to meet the many needs of people affected by leprosy. The Leprosy Mission Australia concentrates its focus of work within India, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, Nepal, and Thailand.