By the time Chattu finally received a diagnosis, he had already developed serious disabilities caused by leprosy. The turning point came when he attended a skin camp run through the Dignity First project, supported by people like you. There, he learned for the first time that leprosy was the cause of his suffering.
The diagnosis opened the door to the help Chattu desperately needed. Through the project, he was started on multidrug therapy and referred to Anandaban Hospital for specialist treatment. In the years that followed, he received care for his ulcers and reconstructive surgery on his hand, helping him regain function and independence.
But recovery brought new challenges. Chattu had been earning a living by travelling from village to village selling soap. Treatment, surgery, and the lasting effects of leprosy made that work impossible.
“I knew I had to find another way,” he says. “I couldn’t continue doing such physical work, and my family depended on me.”
With determination and support, Chattu began rebuilding his life. He used what resources he had to open a small grocery shop, selling sweets and everyday essentials in his community. The shop provided a more stable source of income and allowed him to continue supporting his family.
Your support helped in another important way too. Chattu joined a local self-help group for people affected by leprosy, where he found encouragement, friendship, and a new sense of purpose. Today, he is one of the group’s key leaders. He has worked tirelessly to advocate for the needs of people affected by leprosy and successfully secured funding from the local municipality to strengthen the group’s activities.
