Through outreach activities led by Lepra’s ASPIRE project in partnership with Canadian global health organisation Effect Hope, Sarwan’s visible symptoms were identified, and he was encouraged to attend a primary health care centre.
Once diagnosed, Sarwan began a course of multidrug therapy and received ongoing emotional support from Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). He also attended a Community Based Group (CBG) where he learned the importance of self-care techniques to heal ulcers and prevent further disabilities from forming.
Through the combined support from ASHAs and the CBG, Sarwan felt able to disclose his diagnosis to his family and friends. With advice and support, they were accepting of his condition and he in turn regained self-confidence and no longer feared exclusion.
By meeting other people affected by leprosy, Sarwan eventually developed the confidence to share his story to inspire others to come forward to treatment. He emerged as a peer supporter, identifying community members with symptoms and referred them to a primary health care centre.
Sarwan’s efforts helped to improve community awareness of symptoms and treatment which led to an increase in early case detection.
“I used to hide my symptoms in fear. Now, I help others speak up. Leprosy is not a curse - it's curable. I learned that because someone cared enough to educate me.”