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Celebrating Leprosy Champions

Patana does woodwork in his workshop
© Daniel Christiansz

Leprosy Champions

A women from India in bright yellow/green clothes speaks into a podium microphone
Maya Ranavare: Wellesley Bailey Award Winner

Maya Ranavare is one of four individuals to win the Wellesley Bailey Award in 2024. This is her story.

A man from Bangladesh in a white hat and grey suit sits behind a microphone at a desk
Md. Kamal Uddin Wellesley Bailey Awards Winner 2024

Md. Kamal Uddin is one of four individuals to win the Wellesley Bailey Award in 2024. This is his story.

A woman from DR Congo in a white shirt and pink trousers sits in a wicker chair
Sandra Dongo Botolo: Wellesley Bailey Awards Winner 2024

Sandra Dongo Botolo is one of four individuals to win the Wellesley Bailey Award in 2024. This is her story.

A man from Myanmar in dark clothes stands on a balcony overlooking a road with palm trees
U Soe Win: Wellesley Bailey Awards 2024 Winner

U Soe Win is one of four individuals to win the Wellesley Bailey Award in 2024. This is his story.

Kashi, a man who took the journey from patient to nurse

Kashi does not allow his childhood experience with leprosy to affect his patient care.

Ashok, the lorry driver breadwinner of his family.

Ashok life is transformed after attending the Vocational Training Centre. After being hospitalised for leprosy, he is now providing for his family in a job that he loves.

Suresh and Mangala pose together in front of a tree covered in red flowers
Suresh and Mangala, leprosy champions and husband and wife

Because of leprosy, Suresh and Mangala both faced enormous challenges before they met each other. Now they are happily married, parents to three beautiful children, and they use their work to transform the lives of persons affected by leprosy in India.

Shudeepta smiles at the camera
Shudeepta, taking control of her own life

Both Shudeepta and her sister are now working in the garment industry, where they have been able to earn a good income thanks to TLM training

Thresia, who overcame self-stigma to pursue her dreams

Because of a leprosy diagnosis, Thresia experienced self-stigma and feared being teased at school. Now, she's back studying and ready to pursue her dreams.

Sudha holds her infant grandson and gives him a kiss on the cheek
Sudha Rani, a fearful and fierce grandmother

Sudha experienced a lot of fear when she was diagnosed with leprosy, but she persevered and is now living a life of happiness.

Kavinas with smiles at the camera with his younger brother, Hariskram
Kavinas, a determined and successful student

Kavinas has faced big barriers to his education since he was diagnosed with leprosy, but he has persisted and still led the way in his class