Throughout Haider’s life, he has had physically demanding jobs as a labourer and a rickshaw puller. Although his income is low, he is proud of his hard work that has helped to sustain his family as he has watched them grow, thrive and have children of their own.
Incredibly, Haider lived with undiagnosed leprosy for many years as he continued to work through the pain and discomfort of his worsening condition.
He first noticed symptoms in the mid-90s, with small blisters developing around his toes. He was able to ignore the blisters at first, but over time they became infected, and ulcers developed, which could no longer be hidden.
People in his local community began to notice his injuries and became fearful that his condition might be contagious. Many people believe that diseases such as leprosy are rooted in sin, and so he experienced significant prejudice and discrimination, and the family were ostracised as a result. Becoming isolated from his community was very difficult for Haider, and he fell into a deep depression.
Haider was desperate to get medical help, but with so many financial barriers to professional healthcare, many people are forced to visit local healers to try and cure their ailments.
Haider spent what little money he had visiting healers, but none of their traditional treatments were improving his condition. As his health deteriorated, he found it almost impossible to continue work.
Lepra’s team in Bangladesh first met Haider by the roadside in the early 2000s, where he was struggling and exhausted by the discomfort of his worsening disabilities.
He was taken to the hospital at Nilphimari, nearly 100 miles away from Bogura. There he was diagnosed with leprosy and began treatment for his wounds and began a 12-month course of multidrug therapy (MDT).
Unfortunately, his injuries were so severe, some of his fingers and toes needed to be amputated. He stayed at the hospital for several weeks as he recovered.
To support his recovery, Lepra’s specialist health workers provided Haider with his first pair of specialist protective shoes, custom-made by a footwear technician in multicellular rubber they protect the vulnerable points of an individual’s feet.
With Lepra’s footwear, further injuries can be prevented, and with good self-care practice, existing ulcers are able to heal.
With ongoing support from Lepra, Haider was able to return to work, and he was gradually able to rebuild his independence, confidence and self-esteem.
Since retired, his son now pulls his rickshaw, helping to maintain income for the family and allowing Haider to dedicate his life to supporting other people in his community who are also facing the physical, social and emotional impact of leprosy.
