02765nas a2200397   4500000000100000008004100001260003700042653001200079653001700091653001200108653004500120653001200165653002100177653002600198653001000224100001500234700001500249700001300264700001300277700001100290700001300301700001300314700001300327700001200340700001500352700001400367700001300381700001300394700001500407245011700422856009900539300000900638490000700647520169900654022001402353       2025                            d  bPublic Library of Science (PLoS)10aLeprosy10aDisabilities10aFinance10aBehavioural and social aspects of health10aHygiene10aHealth economies10aSocioeconomic aspects10aNepal1 aShrestha D1 aShrestha B1 aAnsari S1 aSharma S1 aPuri S1 aShakya A1 aTiwari D1 aPandey S1 aAryal P1 aDhungana B1 aAcharya J1 aKandel S1 aNapit IB1 aFastenau A00aFostering empowerment: Transition from self-help groups to cooperatives in leprosy-affected communities in Nepal  uhttps://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0013799&type=printable  a1-220 v193 a<p><strong>Introduction</strong></p>

<p>Although leprosy is curable, many affected individuals continue to face disability, stigma, and poverty. In Nepal, sustaining progress after elimination remains challenging, making community-based approaches such as self-care and self-help groups crucial for long-term health and social inclusion. This study investigates how self-help groups and cooperatives contribute to sustaining community-driven leprosy management efforts.</p>

<p><strong>Methods</strong></p>

<p>For this study only qualitative data are utilized which involves people affected by leprosy, single women, community stakeholders, and facilitators. Conventional content analysis was employed to examine the data, focusing on participants’ experiences and perceptions.</p>

<p><strong>Results</strong></p>

<p>Self-help groups were instrumental in reducing social stigma and promoting social inclusion for marginalized individuals. These groups empowered members by building skills in hygiene, self-care, awareness of gender-based violence, and financial management, enabling them to assert their rights, manage finances, and contribute to household decisions, thereby fostering long-term socio-economic resilience. Transitioning to a cooperative model provided legal recognition and financial security, with leadership and trust being crucial for continued growth.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions</strong></p>

<p>The transition to cooperatives offers a promising path for sustainable development, ensuring legal recognition and financial stability while reducing stigma and improving societal perceptions towards leprosy, disability, and marginalized communities.</p>
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