The Leprosy Mission ( formerly known as Mission to Lepers) began in 1874, when Wellesley Cosby Bailey an Irish teacher was moved with compassion seeing the plight of people with Leprosy. Right from its inception the Mission's efforts have been to provide care to those affected by leprosy and its attendant disabilities. 130 years on, the Mission's basic focus has not changed, rather; it is a shift of service.

In 1972 The Leprosy Mission Trust India was formed and registered in India as a charitable organisation under the Registrar of Societies Act.From charity, The Leprosy Mission's emphasis is now empowerment of the afflicted and disabled. From the early days of reaching out and treating leprosy patients, the accent is now integrating them into their families and the community. Increasing awareness of the disease in the general community and providing the leprosy-affected with tools of self-esteem and dignity is now considered as important as eliminating the disease.

With the advent of curative medical treatment, especially the introduction of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) much has changed in the approach to leprosy. Remarkable advances have been made in the fight against the disease.With incidences of leprosy reducing, its status as a public health problem has declined, with eradication an achievable goal.

Challenges remain and the fight against leprosy goes on. With The Leprosy Mission at the forefront, efforts continue towards reducing physical disabilities during and after treatment, advancing integration and acceptance of leprosy-affected persons into the community. Imparting skills and education through the Vocational Training Centres, promoting community awareness in order to eliminate the stigma and discrimination they face. Continuing research to increase the understanding of leprosy and its repercussions and finding clinical solutions are just some of the tasks that lie ahead.The Leprosy Mission is one of the largest NGOs working in India.