About us
NLR Nepal is a non-profit, non-religious, and non-political development organization that has been supporting Nepal since 1979. With more than 46 years of continuous engagement, NLR Nepal has played a vital role in advancing health and inclusion—working alongside government, communities, and global partners. From our beginnings in leprosy control, disability management, and rehabilitation, we have evolved into a trusted national organization recognized for innovation, evidence-based practice, and our unwavering commitment to equity and dignity for all.
Founded in 1977, NLR Nepal has been at the forefront of leprosy control, disability management, and inclusive development. From 1994 to 2013, we also supported Nepal’s national Tuberculosis (TB) program in the Far Western region. Over time, our focus has expanded beyond leprosy to address wider public health challenges, disability-inclusive development, and social equity—ensuring that no one is left behind because of disease, disability, or discrimination.
Today, NLR Nepal stands as a trusted partner in Nepal and beyond. We pioneer innovative, evidence-based solutions, strengthen health and social systems, and work alongside government, municipalities, communities, and global networks. Through research, partnerships, and technology, we aim to eliminate health inequalities, remove barriers faced by persons with disabilities, and create inclusive societies where everyone can thrive.
Our Impacts in Numbers
Driving Innovation for Health Equity & Inclusion
Leprosy
Number of index Cases Covered
Number of Contacts Screened
Number of Contacts Administrated SDR
Number of Leprosy Detected
Disability Inclusive Development
Golden thousand days women supported
Immunized infants aged under one year
Pregnant women received Folic Acid
Transformed to Disability Friendly Public Places
Person with Disability covered by insurance
Number of Households with Toal Sanitation
Index Case
Number of Index Cases Covered.
Contacts Screened
Number of Contacts Screened
Campaign Running
Number of Direct Contacts of New Patients given SDR.
Inclusive Development Program
Number of new leprosy detected.
Women Supported
Golden thousand days woman supported.
Immunized
Immunized infants under one year
Folic Acid
Pregnant Women received Folic Acid.
Transformation
Transformed to disability friendly public places
Insured
Disability Covered By Health Insurance
Sanitized
Household certified with toal sanitization
Three Zeros Campaign - NLR Nepal
- No one should suffer from preventable or neglected diseases, including leprosy, other NTDs, and emerging public health threats.
- Focus on prevention, surveillance, and equitable access to care
- Disabilities, whether from disease, environment, or social exclusion, should not limit opportunity.
- Commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and participation in all sectors of life.
- Every person has the right to dignity, equality, and participation.
- Eliminate stigma, discrimination, and social injustice that block health, education, or livelihood.
Our Ongoing Programs
Our programmes are more focused towards people affected by leprosy and persons with disabilities.
PEP++
The PEP++ study is a large international research project being implemented in India, Brazil, Bangladesh, and Nepal. It is a cluster-randomised controlled trial designed to test an enhanced preventive regimen for leprosy.
Global Leprosy Mapping (GLM)
The Global Leprosy Mapping (GLM) Project is designed to modernize leprosy data systems in Nepal and strengthen evidence for targeted interventions. Reliable, case-based data and geospatial analysis are essential to support Nepal’s progress towards zero leprosy and to align with global leprosy targets.
Message from Program/Technical Director
NLR Nepal – Driving Innovation for Inclusion and Health Equity
Dear Partners, Friends, Well-Wishers, and Colleagues,
With over 25 years of experience in leprosy, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), disability, inclusive development, and broader health and social issues, I am honored to continue serving NLR Nepal as its Technical Director. My professional journey has always been guided by one principle: using research, innovation, and evidence-based practices to improve lives and promote equity.
NLR Nepal is now at a pivotal crossroads. Across the country, individuals affected by leprosy, persons with disabilities, women, and other marginalized groups continue to face systemic barriers to health care, education, livelihoods, and full inclusion. Meanwhile, development organizations like ours are contending with decreasing donor resources, increasing service demands, and the urgent need for sustainability and stronger systems.
In this evolving global and national context, we are committed to transforming NLR Nepal into one of the most respected and impactful development organizations. NLR Nepal has become a hub of innovation—generating evidence-based solutions through rigorous research, piloting scalable models, and leveraging digital tools and technology. By strengthening partnerships, building resilient communities, and aligning with the SDGs, we aim to tackle today’s pressing health and social challenges while contributing to global learning.
Together with our partners, we will continue to pioneer initiatives that eliminate preventable diseases, remove barriers to participation, and work towards a future of Zero Health Inequality from Disease, Zero Disability & Barriers, and Zero Discrimination & Exclusion. I believe that innovation, grounded in science and partnerships, is the most powerful tool to shape a healthier, more inclusive, and equitable future.
I warmly invite you to continue walking this journey with us—bringing your expertise, solidarity, and commitment to drive the change we all aspire to.
Warm regards,
Nand Lal Banstola
Partners
What People Say
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