New Face for Leprosy 

Samida Begum is a 35-year-old divorcee with two children, aged 3 and 6, living in her elder brother's house. She has no income and is completely dependent on her brother. Her first signs of leprosy appeared 10 years ago when her fingers became clawed—first her right, then her left hand. Her hands and feet became anesthetic. She started antibiotic treatment in 2022 but did not complete it. She developed a deep foot ulcer that needed daily dressing. One of her neighbors advised her to contact LEPRA. She was restarted on treatment and has now completed 9 months of taking antibiotics. She does regular self-care and hand exercises and uses protective sandals, needing new ones 3 months ago.

Her husband left her and their children and remarried because of the disease. He takes no responsibility for her or their kids. When she conceived the second baby, he was already secretly married to another woman. She cannot take legal action because of her health and finances. After he left, she moved to her brother's house. “All other people around me except my husband are helpful and friendly.”

Her biggest challenge is to survive this without her husband. She is proud of her brother and his family. Her message is, “Don’t be afraid of this disease; take treatment.”