New Face for Leprosy 

Bahar is 40 and was diagnosed with leprosy in 2016 when he developed skin patches on his hands, and a health worker recognized leprosy. He took antibiotic treatment. He then developed nerve damage affecting his hands and feet, with loss of sensation. He has ulcers and does daily care to prevent further damage to his hands and feet. He has not faced stigma from his family. His family and neighbors accept him, encourage him, and stand beside him. He worked in the tea garden for many years; his son has taken his place there and the responsibilities of running his family. He has one daughter and one son.

Their financial condition improved by rearing the goat given by LEPRA. They get milk from the goats and breed them to have more goats that they can sell. He is proud of his family and neighbors; they encouraged him to face the biggest challenge of his life, which is “fighting with leprosy.”