Sustaining community self-help groups beyond donor support: lessons from a qualitative study of self-help groups, including persons affected by leprosy and disability in rural India.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Leprosy remains a significant public health challenge in many low and middle-income countries, including India. People affected by leprosy face multifaceted challenges: physical, psychological, social and economic. In response, donors support self-help groups (SHGs) to improve health, social integration and economic circumstances for marginalised people, including those with leprosy. This study aims to assess the sustainability of SHGs in India after the withdrawal of donor support by examining whether they remain functional and exploring the key factors, barriers and facilitators that influence their long-term social and economic viability.

Objectives

To examine the functionality of SHGs after withdrawal of donor support, and to explore the factors, barriers an

SUBMITTER: Darlong J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12815117 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature