Living in India’s Jamui district, Pawan was wary of prevailing prejudice in the community and avoided seeking medical attention, hoping the symptoms would go away on their own.
Lepra’s ASPIRE project, in partnership with Canadian global health organisation Effect Hope, aims to reach out to people like Pawan through active case-finding activities. During a door-to-door screening campaign led by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs - trained female community health workers), Pawan’s visible symptoms were noticed, and he was sensitively encouraged to attend a primary healthcare centre for diagnosis and treatment. Initially hesitant, Pawan agreed after regular counselling, and assurance of confidentiality and support. ASHAs advised Pawan on the importance of completing the full course of multidrug therapy (MDT) - if treatment is not finished in full, symptoms can return.
Pawan and his family were reassured that leprosy is curable and is no longer transmissible after treatment has begun. He was encouraged to attend a Lepra health awareness session and a community-based group to learn more about managing his condition and gain support from other people affected by leprosy. Through attending a group, Pawan learned self-care practices to prevent injuries and disabilities forming. Pawan was hesitant to openly discuss his condition but as time progressed he decided to share his story to inspire others with symptoms to seek screening.
As Pawan’s understanding of leprosy improved and his confidence grew, he took an active role in supporting an awareness campaign. He encouraged others to speak openly about their symptoms and not hide their condition. He even referred people with symptoms to the nearest primary health care centre for screening and treatment.
Through his efforts, Pawan helped to normalise conversations around leprosy and contributed to early detection in the community. Overcoming self-stigma allowed him to reclaim his social identity and rebuild relationships within his family and community.
“When I first learned I had leprosy, I was scared. But with counselling and treatment, I’m healthy again. I want my village to know that early treatment can change lives.”