Together, we can create a world where people overcome neglected tropical diseases like leprosy – A world full of hope.

Kumar’s family has seven mouths to feed. He’s the second oldest at 18. His three younger siblings have never attended school. Kumar and his older brother had to drop out.

Kumar’s dad runs a ‘scrap shop.’ He buys and sells old, used items and scrap materials. The rest of the family are ragpickers– they rummage through discarded litter for material to salvage.

As you can imagine, this is a hard way to make a living. Some days are good, some are bad. The family’s financial situation is unstable, and they struggle to meet even their most basic needs.

Kumar’s family could not afford any setbacks. But a big obstacle was about to change everything.

One day, Kumar noticed a few strange patches on his hands, feet and shoulders. The family could not afford a doctor, so, Kumar lived with the symptoms for 5 years without treatment.

Eventually, Kumar found his way to our partner, The Leprosy Mission Naini Hospital. He was quickly diagnosed with leprosy. He was given medicines that cure leprosy and told to return about a month later.

We know that Leprosy has already exacted a toll on Kumar’s body. He will need self-care education, counselling, regular follow-up, and medication for a year. He will not be able to work for now, and this loss of income threatens the well-being of his family.