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Celebrating Leprosy Champions

Patana does woodwork in his workshop
© Daniel Christiansz

Leprosy Champions

Joaquina leans over a fence, smiling at the camera
Joaquina, an entrepreneurial farmer

Joaquina went from living on the margins to providing jobs for her community.

Hawa sits outside her home with the goods she is selling
Hawa, a determined and cheerful saleswoman

Hawa regained her confidence after years of disability and discrimination and now runs a successful business outside her home.

Nuhu sits in a chair, smiling and holding his fists up in celebration at completing a walk with his new prosthetic leg
Nuhu, a committed father of eight

Nuhu was ready to sacrifice his own health for his family. Thankfully, he didn't have to.

Tharshika, fighting leprosy in Sri Lanka

Tharshika was diagnosed with leprosy as a child. Now an adult, Tharshika supports children affected by leprosy through her work with our partner in Sri Lanka, KKM.

Manpati is a member of one of our self-help groups
Manpati, election candidate and tailor

Manpati has a hand in a few local businesses and recently ran for local office.

Armando stands in front of fields in his farm
Armando, an innovative farm owner

Armando uses the latest training and farming methods to develop crops even in difficult environments

U Soe Win with Aung San Suu Kyi
U Soe Win, speaking to world leaders

U Soe Win went from the misery of feeling trapped in his home to speaking to leaders on the world stage at the United Nations' Disability Rights Conference in December 2020.

Lilibeth, a barrister in Nigeria

All through her life, Lilibeth's experience of leprosy has made life harder for her. That hasn't stopped her achieving her dream of becoming a barrister in her native Nigeria.

Samir with his wife and daughters
Samir, a business owner in India

Samir has a wife and two children. He was diagnosed with leprosy at 16 and now he runs his own motorcycle business.