New Face for Leprosy 

Bilal developed leprosy two years ago with nodules on his face. His neighbour looked on the internet and suspected leprosy. He visited his local health clinic but the staff did not recognise leprosy, he then visited the civil surgeon and his disease was diagnosed. He started treatment with leprosy multidrug therapy. After taking the treatment his nodules faded but he developed the brown (clofazimine) pigmentation which is a complication of leprosy treatment.

He lost sensation in his hands and feet. The sensory loss in his hands is improving. After the diagnosis he was fired from the job he had done as a school guard for 14 years, even though they had helped him to be diagnosed. They did not give a reason for the firing, saying they did not need him any longer. He was angry with his past employers. He is poor and cannot afford legal action against his employers.

He cannot drive his rickshaw because of his health problems so he has little income. His daughter was studying in the 9th standard but had to stop because he had no money to pay the fees. He became angry and depressed when he was diagnosed. His neighbours have supported him and he has not experienced stigma from them.