Thursday, August 01, 2019

Why I DO Give To Lepra.

Manjula's Story

Manjula, 45, lives with her husband, her two sons and their families. She has suffered from leprosy and lymphatic filariasis for 15 years prior to receiving treatment.

During a contact survey, Manjula was able to see the Lepra team and was then selected to go to a referral centre as she had developed disabilities due to delayed diagnosis of leprosy and lymphatic filariasis. Manjula had lost sensation in her left arm, from her elbow to her hand. Additionally she was also suffering from lymphatic filariasis in her left leg, causing painful swelling of her limbs.

The Lepra team demonstrated self-care practices at home that Manjula could follow, showing her how to care for her disability through cleaning and physiotherapy techniques. 

Due to her condition, she was referred to the Damien Foundation India Trust Referral Centre  for reconstructive surgery. After reconstructive surgery however Manjula suffered an acute attack, this occurs when an infection caused by lymphatic filariasis reaches an infectious point, which results in fever and acute pain. She then visited a satellite centre in TaraPur, where Leprahelped to manage the acute attack along with post-operative physiotherapy.

After the help that Manjula received, she was able to manage her mobility and has improved the use of her hand. Our work has helped to reduce the social prejudice and discrimination that she faced, and she is now very happy and thanks the Lepra team for her improved life.

Perception?