Tom and Diana told the story of the New Face project and the work in India Nov 2019. These stories showcase that when given their diagnosis, many of those affected by leprosy felt despondent and even suicidal and did not wish to share their diagnosis. However, after treatment they had positive messages about the curative nature of the antibiotics and the support of staff from the referral centres and other patients.

For women, in particular, this is important as they suffer double jeopardy due to their fear of their own position, but they also worry about their daughters and the challenges in having a marriage arranged for them. Nevertheless, the New Faces Gallery showcases how these women are strong people that overcame their diagnosis and the problems it bought. The event was a great success and we would like to give a particular mention to Professor Dianna Lockwood who attended the event and has been associated with leprosy for over 30 years through links with the Blue Peter Public Health and Leprosy Research Clinic in Hyderabad and was recently awarded an emeritus title from the LSHTM. Professor Lockwood was also the editor of Leprosy Review, from 1996 until 2012, and she holds the world record among leprologist as she has patients from 35 different countries.