Effect Hope

Effect Hope

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🌍 To heal. To uplift. To empower. Partnering globally to end NTDs & strengthen communities.

🧡 Join us in creating a ripple effect of hope that transforms lives.

Who we are:
Effect Hope (The Leprosy Mission Canada) is a leading Canadian Christian global health organization that partners with others to bring hope and restoration to people affected by neglected tropical diseases like leprosy. These diseases cause illness and disabilities, perpetuate poverty, invite discrimination, and eliminate hope. We are on a Mission:
As followers of Jesus, we partner with others to bring hope and restoration to people affected by neglected tropical diseases like leprosy. Our Vision:
A world where people overcome neglected tropical diseases like leprosy — a world full of hope. What we do:
For about 130 years now, we have been delivering on the same promise: to support people and communities affected by neglected tropical diseases like leprosy to find hope, healing, and restoration. With our partners and the people we serve, we create strategic programs that positively impact the lives of people in need. We ensure that people affected by neglected tropical diseases have access to health care and community support for better mental, physical and social well-being. Why do we do it:
Globally, 1.7 billion people are affected by neglected tropical diseases. They are the world’s most underserved people and communities. Neglected tropical diseases don’t just cause illness and disability, but they destroy livelihoods and tear families apart. These diseases seed discrimination and isolation. Neglected tropical diseases trap people in a cycle of poverty. As followers of Jesus, we cannot stand by and let people suffer needlessly from treatable and preventable diseases. God calls us to intervene in this broken world as agents of restoration and hope. We work with our committed supporters here in Canada and our partners in the countries where we serve to be champions of hope. How we do it:
Health services for neglected tropical diseases are not available everywhere. We work to make sure that those affected by neglected tropical diseases receive people-centred, appropriate, inclusive, and holistic health services, no matter how remote or isolated they are. This includes mental, social, and disability care. We work with communities affected by these diseases to take action to prevent, detect, and seek treatment for these diseases. Through this work, we also erase prejudices that lead to discrimination and leave people isolated. Empowered people and communities can advocate for the services they need. We work with governments, both at local and national levels - to implement changes that are proven to work. When a health system is strong, no one is left behind. We make sure that people affected by neglected tropical diseases are at the centre of this work. Finally, we seek out the best solutions and innovations that make the biggest difference for people and communities affected by these diseases. Whether it’s a new technology, medical discoveries, or just better ways to deliver care based on patient experiences, we work with those who deliver care to do better. The Result:
These actions transform lives today and change the future for generations to come. Together with our supporters and partners, we have done a lot over the last 130 years. We plan to help until we are no longer needed, and we have had a powerful effect. That Effect... Hope

Voices from the Field: Nana on Why We Must Find Women First 09/25/2026

For many women affected by female ge***al schistosomiasis, the path to care is filled with barriers.

Symptoms may be mistaken for other conditions, health workers may lack the tools needed to make an accurate diagnosis, and stigma can make it even harder for women to seek help.

During a visit to Liberia, Effect Hope Programs Officer Nana saw these challenges firsthand - and learned more about what must change for women to receive the care and dignity they deserve.

Read Nana’s reflections from the field: effecthope.org/voices-from-the-field-nana/

Unlimit Health | Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia

Voices from the Field: Nana on Why We Must Find Women First When I stepped off the plane in Liberia this past January, the air pressed close — humid, heavy, and alive. I was there for a week, meeting with our partners to discuss how we could effectively reach more women affected by Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS).  Seeing the Women First In places ...

09/23/2026

In Bangladesh, more than 7,000 children were screened for leprosy right in their own neighbourhoods this season. Children who needed follow-up care were connected to treatment and support before permanent damage could begin.

But in another village, a parent may be noticing a concerning patch on their child’s arm and wondering what it means. Thousands of children are still waiting for help to arrive.

One diagnosis found early can change a life forever. 🧡 Donate today: effecthope.org/donate

Read more in our Fall Update:https://effecthope.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/26-0026-EffectHopeSemiAnnualReport_R4.pdf

09/22/2026

For years, people affected by neglected tropical diseases in one Nigerian community were barred from entering the local council hall - a place where important community decisions were made.

Through LivEx, participants gained confidence and support through peer-led groups. Education, dialogue and advocacy helped challenge the stigma they experienced.

Eventually, the doors of the council hall opened.

For the first time, people affected by these diseases were welcomed inside alongside their neighbours, taking their place at the heart of community life.

Discover the power of inclusion in our Fall Update:https://effecthope.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/26-0026-EffectHopeSemiAnnualReport_R4.pdf

RedAid Nigeria

09/18/2026

A small, pale patch on Mahabub’s arm was the first sign that something was wrong.

As the patch spread and his hand began to claw, his family watched helplessly. They didn’t know what was causing it or where to find care.

Then, a community health worker recognized the signs of leprosy and connected Mahabub to treatment. He later received reconstructive surgery, helping him regain mobility and return to school with renewed confidence.

Read Mahabub’s story in our Fall Update:https://effecthope.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/26-0026-EffectHopeSemiAnnualReport_R4.pdf

Our Fall 2026 Impact Update Is Here! 09/16/2026

🧡 Our Fall 2026 Impact Update, Hope That Endures, is here!

Inside, you’ll discover stories of resilience and see how care is reaching people affected by neglected tropical diseases around the world.

Every story and milestone reflects what becomes possible through the generosity and commitment of our community. We invite you to explore the update and see the impact you’ve helped make possible!

Read our news release: effecthope.org/fall-impact-update/
Read the Fall Update:https://effecthope.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/26-0026-EffectHopeSemiAnnualReport_R4.pdf

Our Fall 2026 Impact Update Is Here! See how your support is helping children receive care sooner, challenge stigma, and build communities where everyone can belong. In Effect Hope’s Fall 2026 Impact Update, Hope That Endures, you’ll uncover stories of resilience, learn how healthcare is reaching people affected by negle...

09/15/2026

Our Fall 2026 Impact Update, Hope That Endures, is here!

Inside, you’ll discover powerful stories of hope, progress and perseverance from the communities we serve. You’ll also see how your support is helping people access care, overcome barriers and look toward brighter futures.

There is still more work ahead, but together, we’re helping create change that endures!

Read our Fall Update: effecthope.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Final-Semi-Annual-Report-Single-Pages.pdf

09/11/2026

“Don’t give up. Your story isn’t over.”

After surviving a life-changing attack, Chris Channon faced a long journey of pain and recovery. Along the way, his faith helped him find renewed purpose and a calling rooted in compassion.

Today, Chris brings that perspective to his work at Effect Hope, helping others experience dignity, care and hope.

Read Chris’s story: https://effecthope.org/chris-story/

09/08/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Month. A reminder that mental health is an essential part of our overall well-being.

For people affected by neglected tropical diseases like leprosy, stigma and isolation can take a serious toll on mental health.

Your support helps provide care that considers the whole person – both body and mind. Donate today: effecthope.org/donate

***dePreventionMonth

Caroline Lorraine Small Obituary | Chapel Ridge Funeral Home | Markham, ON 09/03/2026

Today we say goodbye to Carol Small Morris. For more than two decades, she was a pillar of the Effect Hope board of directors. Over her twenty years of service, Carol held every leadership position on our board and was a committed recruiter of other board members and even our CEO.

She was a thoughtful leader, a trusted advisor, and a passionate advocate for our mission, always keeping the people we serve at the heart of her work. Her wisdom, faithfulness, and generosity continue to shape Effect Hope today.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones as we honour a remarkable legacy.

Caroline Lorraine Small Obituary | Chapel Ridge Funeral Home | Markham, ON View Caroline Lorraine Small's complete obituary, share memories, and explore 12 tribute posts from the community.

09/03/2026

What helps community-based groups remain effective and sustainable?

This question is at the heart of UPLIFT, a three-year research study conducted across India, Bangladesh and Ethiopia.

For people affected by leprosy and other skin-related neglected tropical diseases, community-based groups can create opportunities for self-care, peer support and greater social inclusion. However, these groups operate in different settings and often face different needs and challenges.

UPLIFT explored the practical features that help these groups succeed across diverse contexts. Its findings can help inform stronger programs and policies that support the well-being and inclusion of people affected by NTDs.

Learn more about the UPLIFT study: effecthope.org/our-programs/uplift-project/

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101-20 Valleywood Drive
Markham, ON
L3R6G1

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Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm