Living with his wife and two children, Bahar was working in the tea garden when he noticed discoloured skin patches, with a loss of sensation had appeared on his hands and feet. Without early treatment, the disease had led to nerve damage. Bahar wasn’t aware of injuries that had formed on his feet which became infected and led to painful ulcers.
When a visiting health worker diagnosed Bahar with leprosy, he began a course of multidrug therapy (MDT). Staff showed him the importance of self-care and that with good hygiene, he could prevent further damage to his hands and feet.
Bahar’s family and neighbours were accepting of his condition and supported him on his journey of recovery. Due to his injuries, Bahar was no longer able to continue work in the tea garden, but his son took over his role and now provides for the family. Lepra supported Bahar in starting his own smallholding, promoting a sustainable livelihood.
Bahar is proud of his family and neighbours, they encouraged him to face the biggest challenge of his life which is “fighting leprosy”.
