Lay and peer counsellors to reduce leprosy-related stigma–lessons learnt in Cirebon, Indonesia

Authors: Lusli M, Peters RM, Zweekhorst MB, van Brakel WH, Seda FS, Bunders JF et al.

Source: Lepr Rev 2015; 86(1):37-53.

Summary

Counselling has been identified as a promising strategy to reduce stigma. Lay and peer counsellors have provided counselling in various fields, but this has not yet been studied in the field of leprosy. The Stigma Assessment and Reduction of Impact (SARI) project in Cirebon District, Indonesia took up this endeavour. This paper describes the initial experiences based on the perspectives of the lay and peer counsellors and aims to provide lessons learnt for future initiatives.