Tohmina is 45. She developed leprosy aged 6 with patches on her face and back. She developed blisters and then ulcers on her feet. Her father tried many medicines with no improvement. A man visiting her home suspected leprosy. Her father took her an NGO health centre where leprosy was diagnosed. Her father then had a mental breakdown over her diagnosis. Her elder brother rejected her from their home saying that she could not stay in the house if she had leprosy. Her father took her to Nilphamari hospital. She took medicine from there and was cured but her ulcers recurred. She married a fellow patient in Nilphamari hospital. The hospital authorities supported their marriage and gave them some money. They went to her family home and her brother rejected her again saying that she could not stay there, and threatened to kill her husband. They came to Mahasthan Gar, Bogura. They rent homes with people but are continually being evicted. Her husband has disabilities and works in a shop. They have just been granted one of the government sponsored houses for people affected by leprosy. It will be a huge help for them. She has one son, Toufik, who is in class 6, but they struggle to pay school fees. He dresses his mothers wounds.
.
The physical problems are the biggest challenge for her.
“My message to all is that this disease is not an infectious disease, so don’t push the patients away. If someone is in pain please don’t hurt them again.”
Prof Diana Lockwood and Md. Waheduzzaman Polu, the project director for Lepra in Bogura, take a look at the ulcers on Tohmina’s feet.Prof Diana Lockwood examines Tohmina’s feet
.
Taufik, helps his mother clean her ulcers and change the dressing on her foot.Tohmina’s bandages which will be saved and cleanedBizly Rani Das, a local mental motivator, also affected by leprosy talks with Polu about TohminaBizly helps Tohmina deal with some paperworkTaufik, Tohmina’s son, aged 14
She and her husband are grateful to Mr Polu, the Lepra officer who has helped them get a new home. She had just received the documents for her new house in April 2023.
Tohmina with the certificate that shows she can move into a government built house. It’s currently being constructed.Son and mother
09/04/2023 Bogura region, Bangladesh
Photography by Tom Bradley, writing by Prof Diana Lockwood
Bilkis on the road outside her home. Though she can stand on her feet, she can’t go far, so uses the wheelchair to move away from home.
Bilkis Begum is 60 and lives in a new house provided by the government for people with disabilities. She has 3 daughters and a son. Her husband died when her younger daughter was 1 year old. After the delivery of her last child she developed skin patches. The doctor checking her recognised leprosy and sent her to receive treatment. However she was alone and could not attend the clinic until her daughter was 4 years oin 2012. She took treatment for 6 months and then 12 months. 6. Her original skin patched improved but some new ones appeared. Her legs are weak and anaesthetic. Her left hand is also anaesthetic. She does daily self-care of her hands and feet. She moved into her government house 10 months ago, she had been renting in the slum before that.
Her husband supported her with her disease. But after his death her children left her. Her new neighbours treat her well. The biggest challenge for her is to earn enough by begging.
“Leprosy patients have knowledge about the disease and should be listened to even when they are lower status like herself. The health authorities should take this disease seriously instead of ignoring it.”
Bilkis standing in the little cul-de-sac for government-built homesBilkis pauses during her interview
.
Prof Diana Lockwood and Md. Waheduzzaman Polu, the project director for Lepra in Bogura
Bilkis dreams of being able to set up a shop in her home one dayIn the meantime, she goes off to beg at a nearby main road in order to make some money.
Photography by Tom Bradley, writing by Prof Diana Lockwood
A polaroid of Diana at the entrance to the exhibition at the institute.
Words by Prof Diana Lockwood
The New Face for Leprosy project has had an excellent showing at the tropical medicine institute in Munich, in Dec 2024. The idea for a photo exhibition was developed from a conversation between Camilla Rothe and Diana Lockwood when they were both teaching on the Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene course in Nagasaki University, Japan (in conjunction with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine) which has students from around the world. Both are photographers interested in capturing medical pictures and stories. Camilla did the DTMH London in 2005. The Munich department has regular changing photography exhibitions organised by the department around different themes and with a small budget. This year the exhibition featured photos and stories from the New Face for leprosy project (https://newfaceleprosy.com/) with planning done by discussions with Camilla, Tom Bradley and Judith Eckstein, using the New Face for Leprosy ideas showing that leprosy affected people have normal lives and jobs and families.
Dr Camilla Rothe, who instigated the New Face for Leprosy exhibition after connecting with Diana in Japan.
There were 31 photos from India and Bangladesh in the central locations and in doctors office, taken by Tom and the stories about each person been written by Diana. The event was opened with a seminar on leprosy. Prof Michael Hoelscher, LMU Munich institute for infectious diseases and tropical medicine gave the opening words. Diana Lockwood talked about the need for new images and stories for leprosy patients and organisations working with leprosy affected patients.
Diana speaks about the New Face for Leprosy Project
Tom Bradley also spoke on this, and different ways of photographing. Dr August Stich from Wurzburg university hospital and DAHW German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief talked about leprosy, Saskia Kreibich from DAHW German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief talked about the need for new tools to diagnose leprosy, Prof. Gisela Bretzel, head of the microbiology lab at the institute talked about the challenges of using laboratory tests to diagnose leprosy. The tropical institute is now its own institute within Munich university and this event celebrated this.
Tom speaks about ways of photographing leprosy.
In a larger reception area about 100 people listened to talks from Diana Lockwood about how she became interested in leprosy as a teenager volunteering in a leprosy hospital in India in 1975. There are still challenges in diagnosing and treating patients and despite there being effective free antibiotics, patients and their families experience stigma. Tom talked about photographing people with leprosy and showed how the project had developed with photos and stories.
Diana speaks at the receptionTom speaks at the reception
Evelyne Leandro, a Brazilian woman who lives in Berlin talked about her experience of being diagnosed and treated with leprosy in Germany. Her diagnosis was delayed because doctors in Germany rarely see patients with leprosy. She was treated in Berlin and had adverse events from the antibiotics, she experienced inflammatory complications called reactions. She also had pain in her joints as part of her disease. She now works with DAHW to help promoting the diagnosis of leprosy and to reduce stigma of the disease. She has written a book about having leprosy, The Living Death. She talked about the need for photos to make the diseases less stimatising.
Evelyne speaks at the reception.Prof. August Stich (Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, DAHW), Evelyne Leandro, Dr. Saskia Kreibich (DAHW), Prof. Gisela Betzel (LMU Klinikum), Dr Camilla Rothe, Tom Bradley, Prof. Dr. Michael Hölscher (Institutsdirektor), Prof. Diana Lockwood, and Tom’s polaroid camera, painted by Bangladeshi rickshawallasPolaroid of the exhibition organisers
People looked at the photos and Tom and Diana talked about how the photos were taken, one woman in a wheelchair had been given a place in homes for people with disability in Bangladesh, her neighbour is a young man with a spinal injury and they help each other.
People look at the photographs during the opening reception.
The stories were accessible using QR code scanning so people could hear the stories on their phones. People were very engaged with the photos and stories and we talked enthusiastically and taking the pictures and getting the stories.
We then enjoyed walking round the Christmas Markets over the weekend, buying decorations and drinking gluhwein.
Diana Lockwood
Jan 2025
Print of Taslima in the reception areaPrint in the reception areaPrints in the downstairs corridor and waiting areaPrints on the staircasePrints in the upstairs lecture roomPrints on the staircasePrints on the staircasePrints in the upstairs corridorPrints in the upstairs corridorPrints in the upstairs common roomCamilla looks at prints on the staircaseA polaroid of Evelyne made in Munich after the exhibition launch.
At the 2025 International Leprosy Congress in Denpasar, Bali, we put on an exhibition in partnership with photographer Yoppy Pieter and Dr Marlous Grijsen. Yoppy and Marlous had already been collaborating together on ‘Letter from the Hills‘ about the impact of leprosy in the Indonesian island of Sumba. Together we pitched for a space there, and later (after a lot of emails, admin and negotiating!), with a small, hardworking team that Yoppy, Marlous and Marlous’ assitant Baim helped organise, printed and put together this exhibition for the 3 day Congress in July.
(L-R) Yoppy Pieter, Tom Bradley, Prof Diana Lockwood, Dr Marlous Grijsen stand in front of the New Face for Leprosy section of the exhibition, with works by Tom Bradley and captions/interviews by Prof Lockwood. Photograph taken by Baim PanjiDiana, Tom, Yoppy and Marlous in front of Yoppy’s work ‘Letter from the Hills’ for which Marlous put together the text.Tom also exhibited a lot of his independent collaborative work shot from over the last 17 years.New Face for Leprosy Photos from India (2019) and Bangladesh (2023), including updates from Tom’s latest trip to Bangladesh in 2025.The exhibition was located on the first floor on the way to some of the lecture and conference rooms.Tom also exhibited photos he’d shot in Sulawesi in the 3 weeks prior to the ILC. Many people affected by leprosy from PerMaTa came to the ILC. Here is Nuni, one of the young volunteer advocates for PerMaTa with photos of herself. She got a relapse in reactions while attending the ILC.There was an opportunity for people to leave thoughts and comments on the exhibition on the side wall, and over the course of the three days many people engaged.People posed for photos with the exhibition throughout the conference.The photo of Taslima Akter, which she wrote on was blown up to 150x100cmTom exhibited dozens of polaroids which he’d shot and asked the person in the photo to write on. Though it is mainly people affected by leprosy, some are those who have dedicated their life to fighting the disease.More New Face for Leprosy photos from India and Bangladesh.
Congress attendees engage with the exhibition.Prof Diana Lockwood gave a keynote speech about the New Face for Leprosy project and campaign in the main conference hall.Prof Lockwood also spoke about research into ENL reactions, which Tom was also making a photostory about in Sulawesi.Looking out from the entrance of the ILC as the Congress started to wind down.The ILC ended with a big buffet and celebration with lots of dancing!
Prof Diana Lockwood and Muneer Khan stand next to the photograph of him.
In celebration of Lepra’s upcoming 100th anniversary, there was a small event and exhibition of the New Face for Leprosy Project at the Blue Peter Health and Research Centre in Hyderabad, just as the International Leprosy Congress 2022 came to an end. Some of the people who were photographed for the project attended the event.
Lepra District Coordinator (for Bogura, Bangladesh) Waheduzzaman Polu, who later worked with Prof Diana Lockwood and Tom Bradley on the New Face for Leprosy work in Bangladesh.Prof Diana Lockwood during a ceremony at the BPHRC.Muneer Khan performs on the tabla at the ceremonyProf Diana Lockwood, with Manikyamma and her portrait. Manikyamma was affected by leprosy and is now a lab attendant at the BPHRCAnasuya and Prof Diana Lockwood underneath Anasuya’s portrait.Krishna with his portrait gifted for him.Muneer Khan with his portraitKrishna at the New Face for Leprosy Exhibition at the Blue Peter Health and Research Centre
HRH The Duke of Gloucester greets Prof Diana Lockwood and Lepra CEO Jimmy Innes
Lepra unveiled the new Bangladesh prints taken for the New Face for Leprosy Project at The Athenaeum Club on Pall Mall on 26th October 2023. HRH The Duke of Gloucester was a guest of honour, along with donors and trustees.
Prof Diana Lockwood looks at the photograph of Indramoni Urang
Lepra CEO Jimmy Innes speaks with Tom Bradley and Prof Diana LockwoodLepra CCEO Jimmy Innes speaks with HRH The Duke of GloucesterProf Diana Lockwood and Tom Bradley speak with HRH The Duke of Gloucester
26/10/2023
Photographs by Chris Laing, Communications Manager for Lepra
Lepra CEO Jimmy Innes and photographer Tom Bradley talk through the New Face for Leprosy photographs with Will Quince MP and the Mayor of Colchester John Jowers
Photographs and captions from Hyderabad were on display at Colchester Castle in an event run by Lepra. The event was attended by local MP Will Quince and the Deputy Mayor of Colchester.
Lepra’s Chair of the Trustees Suzanne Joyce McCarthy talks to people about the exhibition and Lepra’s work
Carolyne Morey, Events and Partnership Manager for Lepra with the New Face for Leprosy exhibition
29/01/2023
Photography by Chris Laing, Communications Manager for Lepra
Moni Munda is 34 years old and works in the tea garden. Five years ago she developed a spot on her face which increased in size. Her parents brought her to health complex in Habiganj where leprosy was diagnosed. She took antibiotic treatment for 6 month. She then married and moved to the Mirzapur tea garden. Nine months later the spot on her face returned. She returned to garden health care centre quickly and was given antibiotic treatment for a year. Now the treatment is still going on. The spot has decreased sensation. she has no other spots. She had 3 children whilst having this disease. The doctors instructed her to do regular self-care of the spots on her face and use ointments. Her husband knows about her disease and is helpful and friendly. Her neighbours and the health centre staff are helpful and kind to her. She has not faced any challenges because she took treatment at the right time and was helped by the people around her. Her message is “get the treatment as soon as you can and don’t be afraid”.
05/04/2023
Photography by Tom Bradley, writing by Prof Diana Lockwood
Shumi Katun is 23 years old, unmarried, and uneducated. She had leprosy aged 9, her father brought her to the doctor for treatment. She lost fingers and toes before taking her one year of antibiotics. She spent time in Shibganj hospital. She does daily self-care. She is wheelchair dependent using it for moving around. She does not work and depends on her father who drives a small van. Her bed is outside the main family sleeping area, inside the house. During the rainy season it is difficult for her to go to the bathroom. She goes outside about 4 times per week. She has difficulty getting off her bed and she needs help. Her family and neighbours have been friendly and helpful to her. Her biggest challenge is limited movement. She is proud of her family and neighbours. Her message is “if anyone get this disease please go for the treatment soon”.
Lepra district coordinator for Bogura Waheduzzaman Polu examines Shumi’s hands
Shumi’s family and community gather as we speak with her
Shumi’s father takes her out the house
The path is uneven, and she can’t use the wheelchair without help
Shumi is much more adept at getting down from the bed herself, though walking on her anaesthetic knees causes regular ulcersThe table outside the cowshed that Shumi used to sleep onShumi’s fatherShumi can’t write or hold a pen, but we made a polaroid to give to her anyway
11/04/2023 Bogura region, Bangladesh
Photography by Tom Bradley, writing by Prof Diana Lockwood
Bizly Rani is 47 years old. In 2012 she developed 30 spots all over her body and thought they were allergic. A health worker noticed her spots when she was accompanying her husband for TB treatment. She was found to have leprosy and started treatment immediately which lasted 12 months. Lepra organised a group of affected people group with 5 members called Shagarika. She has been finding new patients and communicating with other leprosy patients and helping them to get right treatment. She wants other people to avoid the suffering she experienced. She goes door to door finding people with leprosy symptoms. After completing the 1 year course of antibiotics all those spots disappeared and her sensation improved. But one finger of her hand has less sensation and is weak. She has lost sensation in one foot. She had an ulcer on her left toe which can be painful inside and she took extra medicine for 3 months. Now she does self care as the doctors instructed regularly and trains other patients. She has two pairs of special shoes and 2 pairs of sandals provided by Lepra which she uses for outside work. When doctor told her first she had her leprosy, she was afraid but he reassured her that it is a curable disease. Her neighbours did not know about leprosy that so they didn’t understand the disease she had. Her family knew it and they were at her side. The biggest challenge she faced is to connect suspected leprosy infected people with the health care. she has connected 65 patients herself. She is proud of her family, her husband supports her always, he does laundry from home, my elder daughter (28 years old) who completed post graduation and works in the NGO BRAC after her marriage. The next daughter is studying to graduation level and working for ICDDRB in a TB project. Her younger son is studying higher secondary level and has training for glass settings. She is very proud of them. The message she would like to give to everybody that, “its a completely curable disease and if a patient takes a single dose of medicine the spreading possibility will be stopped. So don’t push the leprosy patient away be close with them”.
Prof Diana Lockwood examines her feet, which have anaesthesia, and she consciously maintains daily to prevent ulcersLepra program officer Waheduzzaman Polu and Prof Diana Lockwood in Bizlys house
Bizly with her husband, who has been very supportive of her work with leprosy and Lepra
Bizly writing on her polaroid
Bizly’s handwriting on her polaroid
Bizly cooking puri for us in her backyard
Bizly has her hair combed by her daughter
Bizly recognises and helps identify a new case of leprosy in an area of Bogura
Bizly sits with Tahmina, a person affected by leprosy that has been greatly supported by Lepra
08/04/2023 Bogura, Bangladesh
Photography by Tom Bradley, writing by Prof Diana Lockwood
