Total leprosy care has empowered Lami to survive and thrive.
In a predominately Muslim society, being a widow with leprosy is a double stigma.
Lami Salihu Kwairo had a simple life as a wife and a mother, then, when her husband died, she was left
alone and pregnant with two children.
She became seriously ill, miscarried her third child and for seven months battled for her life. She has
leprosy and no money. Her children could only watch as the disease hurt their mother.
The TLM Nigeria team followed Lami up and brought her back to the hospital for treatment. Her stay in
Chanchaga was extensive. Then two miracles occurred: leprosy did not disfigure her – it was caught early
enough – and during her stay Lami met her second husband.
Once Lami recovered, TLM directed her to Wadata Village near Abuja. This community of leprosy-affected
people provided important support.
TLM and the government liaison officer devised a business strategy for Lami as a ‘small trader’.
She sells household goods like peanuts, salt, pepper and soap from a tray on top of her head, in the local
area near the village where she is accepted and feels safe.
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‘Without TLM, I would probably be begging
on the street and homeless,’ Lami says.
‘Now, I have my own business to feed my
children. This is all I want from God –
a way to live with respect.’
Total Leprosy Care
