Leprosy survivors in Achham say life has improved but stigma lingers

Cases of the disfiguring disease in Achham are declining, but many may still go unreported out of fear of social exclusion, say officials.

For more than 35 years, a 67-year-old man from Mangalsen, the district headquarters of Achham, has been unable to live a life of basic human dignity. Three and a half decades ago, he worked in the Indian state of Uttarakhand as a security guard. While there, he began experiencing severe skin problems. Red patches appeared on his body, his joints swelled, and pus accumulated in his nerves. Despite seeking medical treatment, his condition worsened. His hands and feet swelled, painful sores and blisters appeared, and fever and body aches followed. As he could not work anymore, he had no choice but to return home.