Sojib provides for his family by running a small food store for their local community.
The couple met at the local hospital when they were receiving treatment, they have an eight-year-old son.
Khaleda first developed symptoms when she was just six years old. She visited many local doctors and traditional healers but none of their treatments were successful. Officially diagnosed at a hospital in 1999 aged eight, she was given a 12-month course of multidrug therapy (MDT).
Due to her late diagnosis, Khaleda developed an infected ulcer on her foot. When school friends visited her, and saw her wound, she was afraid to tell them she had leprosy. When she returned to school she was bullied which ultimately led to her to drop out of education.
Due to the severity of her condition, seven years ago, doctors suggested amputating Khaleda’s leg, but she refused and instead opted to have a brace. She prefers to use crutches around the home and ideally needs a wheelchair, but her home is unsuitable for one.
Sojib originally worked away in Dhaka but now remains at home to support Khaleda and their son.
“My husband is always supportive and always helps.”
Sojib first noticed a patch on his body in 2003. He visited the local hospital where he was diagnosed with leprosy and a given a 12-month course of MDT.
In 2004 he had an operation on his right foot to alleviate symptoms.
He tells us,
“I’ve had blisters and ulcers over the years. They still recur every 3-6 months. I do lots of things here, so I don’t ever rest properly.”
The couple joined a self-support group five years ago.
The family have faced extraordinary social and emotional strain as a result of their diagnosis and Khaleda and Sojib are worried about the impact this has had on their son. Sojib explains,
“We want him to have a better future than we had.”
Rupali, a voluntary ‘Mental Motivator’ has supported the family at home with their emotional recovery since 2017, helping them to build resilience and hope for the future, listening without judgement to their concerns and helping them through the difficult days.
