A study of the linkage of poverty alleviation with self-care in South Central Nepal

Background: RECLAIM CDR was an empowerment project implemented by the Nepal Leprosy Trust (NLT) in four districts of Nepal. It ran from 2011 to 2016. The RECLAIM methodology reflected that of an earlier STigma Elimination Project that was implemented under the title of “STEP”. What follows in this paper are the salient findings of an independent evaluation of RECLAIM that took place in April 2016.
Objectives: The main objective of RECLAIM CDR was to ascertain the extent to which the STEP methodology might impact on poverty alleviation.
Method: Quantitative data relating to: impairment status, participation, selfefficacy, and relative poverty was analysed. Qualitative methods were also used for triangulation and to gain perspective.
Results: - 50 of the self-care groups (SCG) that were established progressed to become self-help groups (SHG) with a total membership of 866 people.
              - The median score on the Grameen Progress out of Poverty Index (PPI) rose from 27 to 38.
              - There was an improvement in levels of social participation with 44% of beneficiaries reporting “no restriction”.
              - “Eye Hand and Foot” scores suggested that 68% of leprosy affected SHG members neither experienced improvement or deterioration in impairment status.
              - The median self-efficacy score rose from 20 to 29.
              - 47 of the 50 SHGs had organized and managed a variety of activities that demonstrated commitment to social responsibility.
Conclusion: The outcomes of the project suggest that self-care, as applied by groups of people affected by leprosy does enhance perceived self-efficacy and that the energy generated by such perceptions leads to more productive and fruitful lives generally.