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