He first noticed a thickened ear lobe and visited several clinics before he was eventually diagnosed at a local hospital two years later.
Due to his late diagnosis, Asir’s symptoms worsened, and he developed ulcers which led to disabilities in his foot. Now aged 63, he walks with crutches. He lives with his wife, Tohima (also affected by leprosy) and their teenage son, Toufik.
A year ago, Lepra arranged for the family to move to a government-funded home.
“Many people in the area don’t know we have leprosy; we didn’t want to tell them in case of any stigma.”
Asir usually works as a shopkeeper, but a recent ulcer has meant that it is not possible for him to do any physical activity.
“At the moment I’m paid less because I’m only able to do less.”
With Lepra’s support, Asir and Tohima have learnt self-care techniques to alleviate their symptoms. Their son, Toufik, helps them with everyday tasks including washing, cooking and collecting medication.