She first developed symptoms of lymphatic filariasis (LF) 10 years ago but due to lack of treatment she experienced significant swelling of her limbs along with episodes of fever.
Originally, Rita spent a large amount of money on a traditional healer, but her condition worsened, and she struggled with everyday activities and household chores.
Staff from Lepra’s Uplift Project, in partnership with Effect Hope, encouraged Rita to attend a self-support group where she learned self-care techniques and exercises to alleviate her symptoms. She also received customised protective footwear to aid healing and comfort. To rebuild her emotional health, Rita was referred for psycho-social support.
With continued self-care, her condition significantly improved with a 30% reduction in swelling after just three months.
Rita and her family are hopeful that her condition will continue to improve.
“The self-support group has increased mine and my family’s knowledge of LF and changed my physical and economic wellbeing.”