Asi, this extremely tenacious and brave young woman, has struggled with the challenges of childbirth and leprosy. She is now five months into a 12-month course of medication. Her son is 17 months old. Asi's story is a mixture of courage and shattered dreams. She dropped out of school in 2019 but now wants to continue. He lives with his mother and sister in very difficult circumstances. Asi sells leaves and wood to earn some income. She is very keen to go back to school, and her mother supports her, although they have no idea how this will happen. While their journey is very bitter, they are grateful because the leprosy is now resolved by the cure. For Asai and others like her, a happy future is assured!
Kamal Uddin
Kamal Uddin, one of this year's Wellesley Bailey Award winners, who turned his encounter with leprosy into a force for change.