Purnvashi Mahato, 16
Purnvashi is from Simraon village, in Bara district, about 5 hours travelling to Lalgadh on public transport. He doesn’t have any siblings, and lives with his parents. His parents have a business selling chatpati.
He’s not been to school, but can sign his name because of the literary classes here in Lalgadh. He can’t remember what age he was diagnosed, but it was very young. “I do remember it being very painful.” He says, describing the painful nodules that are a result of ENL reactions. “It’s because of those symptoms that I’ve spent so much time away from home getting treatment.”
Purnvashi was eventually diagnosed with MB leprosy about 6 years ago, and took MDT for two years. “On my first visit I was admitted to IPD. Dr Krishna Lama diagnosed me.”
“The reason I never went to school was because I had fever and reactions so much. I’ve never faced any discrimination or stigma though. I have a lot of friends back home.”
“Sometimes I get quite bored here. I’d like to go home and spend time there. My mum is also anxious about what might happen with me, and my future. But they always comfort me and tell me it’ll be fine.”
Purnvashi is currently in Lalgadh for his still on-going ENL reactions. He doesn’t have any anaesthesia. “I’ve been coming here more often than not for about three years now. My parents used to visit, but I’m older now and I’ve told them to stay at home and not spend money travelling to see me.”
On this occasion, Purnvashi came to Lalgadh one month ago. That’s when he last saw his parents too. He likes some aspects of being here though. “I’m friends with everyone on the ward, and girls come and chat to me here haha.”
I ask him about what he’d like to do as a job at some point. “I’d like to be a motorbike repair mechanic. Or maybe do some tailor training. I’d like to write too. I like drawing too.”
Photographed while on assignment for American Leprosy Missions and effect:hope.
Lalgadh leprosy hospital. Nepal 2018
Purnvashi is from Simraon village, in Bara district, about 5 hours travelling to Lalgadh on public transport. He doesn’t have any siblings, and lives with his parents. His parents have a business selling chatpati.
He’s not been to school, but can sign his name because of the literary classes here in Lalgadh. He can’t remember what age he was diagnosed, but it was very young. “I do remember it being very painful.” He says, describing the painful nodules that are a result of ENL reactions. “It’s because of those symptoms that I’ve spent so much time away from home getting treatment.”
Purnvashi was eventually diagnosed with MB leprosy about 6 years ago, and took MDT for two years. “On my first visit I was admitted to IPD. Dr Krishna Lama diagnosed me.”
“The reason I never went to school was because I had fever and reactions so much. I’ve never faced any discrimination or stigma though. I have a lot of friends back home.”
“Sometimes I get quite bored here. I’d like to go home and spend time there. My mum is also anxious about what might happen with me, and my future. But they always comfort me and tell me it’ll be fine.”
Purnvashi is currently in Lalgadh for his still on-going ENL reactions. He doesn’t have any anaesthesia. “I’ve been coming here more often than not for about three years now. My parents used to visit, but I’m older now and I’ve told them to stay at home and not spend money travelling to see me.”
On this occasion, Purnvashi came to Lalgadh one month ago. That’s when he last saw his parents too. He likes some aspects of being here though. “I’m friends with everyone on the ward, and girls come and chat to me here haha.”
I ask him about what he’d like to do as a job at some point. “I’d like to be a motorbike repair mechanic. Or maybe do some tailor training. I’d like to write too. I like drawing too.”
Photographed while on assignment for American Leprosy Missions and effect:hope.
Lalgadh leprosy hospital. Nepal 2018