25 years ago, around the time his middle son was born, Shamol developed painful swellings all over his body and later developed ulcers on his feet and legs. He became very weak and unable to work. Over the next nine years, he attended many clinics and hospitals in search of a cure but without success.
Due to the cost of treatment, Shamol was under immense financial strain and resorted to selling nine of his cows. He was eventually diagnosed with leprosy in a neighbouring district and prescribed an 18-month course of multidrug therapy. Over the next three-four years, Shamol slowly began to regain strength and returned to limited work.
Although he was beginning to recover physically, the emotional scars from prejudice were still very much present.
“No one wanted to meet me. I wasn’t invited to different occasions.”
Thanks to Lepra’s awareness campaigns, in 2014, the community gained a better understanding of leprosy and acceptance of people affected. Shamol began a fisheries business which locals favoured highly.
Keen to share his journey of recovery with other people affected, Shamol helped Lepra to establish a self-support group. Attendees learnt self-care techniques on how to best manage their symptoms along with advice on accessing benefits. Sharing their experiences helped participants to improve the emotional impact of their diagnosis.
In 2016, Shamol was honoured to adopt the role of group leader. A respected community figure, he went on to become leader of the local federation of people affected by leprosy, comprising of 21 self-support groups.
“I’m very thankful to Lepra. I’m a leader and I help people here.”
With Lepra’s support, Shamol has regained physical health, is now economically independent and highly respected in his community.
