Jahanara is 58 years old lives in the Lalmonirhat district of Bangladesh. A widow, she is dependent on her son.
When she first developed symptoms of lymphatic filariasis (LF) around 30 years ago, she experienced redness, pain, and fever. Her legs gradually began to swell leaving her unable to undertake daily activities.
Jahanara spent a significant amount of money attending a traditional healer and a homeopathic doctor, but her legs continued to deteriorate. Finally, her local doctor diagnosed her with lymphatic filariasis; she was worried and emotional at what this might mean.
When the local community learned of Jahanara’s diagnosis, many people avoided her as they were concerned she may be infectious. Due to a lack of awareness, people were unaware that LF is not contagious and is instead caused by filarial parasites transmitted through mosquito bites. Usually acquired in childhood, the infection causes hidden damage to the lymphatic system.
The isolation she experienced greatly impacted Jahanara’s emotional health. Lepra staff encouraged her to attend a support group where she learned self-care techniques and the importance of regular self-care. Meeting with other people affected helped reduce Jahanara’s feelings of isolation.
A volunteer community champion visits her home regularly to provide emotional support and to help her with reintegrating within the community.
Thanks to the support she has received, Jahanara now feels much better physically, emotionally and socially.