LEPRA

Namaste-

Over the past few days, HELP International has had the opportunity to meet and work with the non-profit organization known as LEPRA. Over the course of two days, LEPRA took me and other volunteers to several of their clinics. At these clinics we were able to see the physical effects that tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and leprosy have on the people of India. Casey Bahr, one of the volunteers with HELP International, took the pictures posted below.

Here is a picture of a woman who contracted HIV/AIDS from her husband and then developed TB several months later. She is underweight and suffers from lethargy, but is in good spirits. Hopefully, someone somewhere will find a cure for HIV/AIDS. The doctor believes that this patient will live a long life as long as she continues to take her medication for TB and HIV.

This is a picture of woman who had lost several toes to leprosy. Unfortunately, leprosy causes a person to lose feeling in their hands and feet. As a result of this, the woman could not feel the ulcers developing on her feet. Eventually, her toes retracted back into her foot and now she only has 3 toes. Unfortunately, there is such discrimination and stigma associated with leprosy that it prevents people from seeking out treatment. Had this woman sought treatment earlier, there is a strong possibility that she would still have all of her toes.

Before coming to India, I had heard about leprosy but it was not something I paid attention to because it is not prevalent in the developed world. This experience at this clinic has really opened my eyes to the fact that people are suffering from diseases that are preventable and treatable. LEPRA truly is an amazing non-profit organization. The employees do not work in the best conditions, nor do they get paid a lot of money. Regardless of these facts, these employees and volunteers continue to come to work every day because they want to improve the quality of life of others. I am honored that I have the opportunity to help them achieve their goals for the country of India. Enclosed is the link for LEPRA if you would like to learn more.