Ruth and Jens Egedal - TLM Heroes

In 1972, Ruth and Jens Kristian Egedal first met at the Amnura mission station in Rajshahi District, Bangladesh, beginning their journey as dedicated Danish missionaries. Their collaborative work started amidst the challenging backdrop of a newly independent Bangladesh, dealing with the return of millions of refugees from India.

Formative Years and Growing Impact

After marrying in Denmark and spending seven years there, the Egedals returned to Bangladesh in 1980. Jens Kristian took on the role of administrator at The Danish Bangladesh Leprosy Mission (DBLM) Nilphamari, while Ruth balanced her roles as a mother and an educator for nurses and paramedical workers.

Faced with financial difficulties and a fledgling 80-bed hospital serving around 10,000 outpatient leprosy cases, the Egedals secured significant funding from DANIDA, the Danish International Development Agency. This support, which began in 1981 and continued with periodic renewals, was instrumental in transforming DBLM into a leading institution for leprosy research and treatment globally.

Broadening Horizons and Saving Lives

Throughout the 1990s, DBLM integrated into the wider network of The Leprosy Mission International (TLMI), benefiting from additional medical expertise and donor support. This expansion was not just about numbers; it was about individual lives transformed, such as that of Khasem, a young boy ostracised by his community due to leprosy. Under the Egedals' care, Khasem received medical treatment, education, and vocational training, eventually returning to his village as a respected business owner and a symbol of the success possible through compassionate healthcare.

Lasting Legacy and Ongoing Commitment

Jens Kristian's continued involvement with the Danish Leprosy Mission Home-board and the couple's ongoing support for projects at DBLM reflect their enduring commitment to the mission in Bangladesh. The Egedals' story, marked by decades of service, exemplifies the profound impact of dedicated individuals in the global fight against leprosy and the transformative power of healthcare and education.