New Face for Leprosy 

Aruna visited many local doctors after developing painful swellings in her hands. No one recognised her symptoms as leprosy until she was eventually referred to one of Lepra’s Referral Centres and was diagnosed 10 months ago. She developed a reaction to her leprosy treatment and required steroids.

“The Government health worker gave me 12 months of medication, which I took regularly.” We saw her finished packets and her current ones. Unfortunately, she had lost one of the Rifampicin capsules from her next month's treatment.

While undergoing treatment, her skin lesions improved and she noticed less swelling. Her husband and son have supported her throughout her treatment and her son brings her to the Referral Centre whenever she needs to attend.

Aruna is a field labourer. She has five children and four grandchildren. “Not being able to work properly was the hardest part about having leprosy. I felt sorry for myself. I keep going because of my children. I want to see them all married.”

Aruna encourages people to take their medication, as it will make them feel better.