In a landmark pact that bridges the worlds of healthcare and fashion, the FDDI, Hyderabad and the LEPRA Society signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 21, 2023, at FDDI Hyderabad campus.
LEPRA Society is a non-governmental organization established in 1989 to serve the needs of people affected by leprosy. Its strategic priorities include strengthening public health systems, providing direct services, fostering Research & Innovation, empowering individuals, and promoting equity for women and children.
Representing FDDI, Dr. Narasimhugari Tej Lohit Reddy, IAS, Executive Director (ED) of FDDI Hyderabad, signed the MoU. On behalf of LEPRA Society, Mr. Prasant Naik, Chief Executive signed the MoU during the presence of senior officers from both sides.
The commitment to benefiting both healthcare professionals and individuals with disabilities, marking a pivotal step towards innovation and inclusivity that sets the stage for impactful and transformative initiatives in disabilities support is the mainstay of the MoU.
Mr. Prasad Naik, Chief Executive of LEPRA Society, said, “This collaboration signifies an opportunity to empower individuals facing disabilities, contributing to the creation of a more inclusive and supportive society.”
In a collaborative effort, LEPRA Society brings crucial field expertise to FDDI, focusing on foot functions affected by conditions like leprosy and lymphatic filariasis. They actively contribute to research proposals addressing the specific needs of individuals with foot disabilities. FDDI, in turn, focuses on capacity building, offering programs for LEPRA Society's technical staff, emphasizing skills in design and material use, and providing technological support for crafting well-fitted footwear in remote areas.
The signing ceremony symbolized a significant moment as FDDI Hyderabad and LEPRA Society, hailing from diverse sectors—footwear design and societal well-being—came together. This collaboration holds the potential to revolutionize the landscape of medical footwear and disabilities support, transcending traditional boundaries.
