At just 12 years of age, Krishna was diagnosed with leprosy. He first noticed numb patches and discolouration on his skin and was promptly diagnosed by a local field survey for leprosy.
During his treatment, Krishna suffered reactions to the medication and painful skin lesions appeared across his body. For fifteen years, he took medication and tried to work in his local village as a cow herder. No one would buy his milk because of his leprosy diagnosis.
As a young adult, Krishna was sent away from his family home and forced to live in a leprosy colony. Despite taking medication, his hands and feet were numb and he couldn’t work. He began begging in the colony, isolated and alienated from his friends and family.
While in the colony, Krishna married a woman and had five children. For years, he has suffered from a serious mental health problem. He often feels depressed and suicidal.
Krishna still suffers from discrimination and isn’t allowed inside local hotels and areas where food parcels are distributed for those struggling financially. He avoids using public transport so that he won’t be discriminated against.
“I feel lucky because I spent most of my life in a leprosy colony and did not face as much discrimination as other people, but there are days I feel alone.” Krishna said.
Now, Krishna refers people to LEPRA referral centres in the area. He sends about two people a month to our referral centres to get treated.