A COLCHESTER-based international charity has been working to bridge the hunger gap for the most vulnerable during the coronavirus crisis.

Lepra, which is based in Middleborough, has been working to provide food to those who suffer from leprosy and are forced to live in slums in India.

The charity says the Covid-19 crisis has created an even steeper divide between those with the disease and the rest of Indian society.

Lepra has been passing on advice and information in the slums, where reproductive rates of coronavirus are thought to be as high as 20 per cent.

Under its Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives (APPI) the charity is helping 365 households containing someone with leprosy and a further 259 homes containing migrant workers with food and essentials.

Jayaram Parasa, Lepra's head of programmes in India, said: “Covid-19 is an unexpected situation which halted many people’s lives, including those with leprosy and other neglected diseases.

"Most of them are unable to go out and earn their livelihood.

"During these difficult times, timely emergency support from donors like APPI, helped us in addressing the immediate needs of the people from these vulnerable communities.”

Lepra has seen a sharp drop in income during the crisis and would welcome public support.

Visit lepra.org.uk to find out more.