Dhanmati Yadav

Dhanmati Yadav, a 71-year-old woman from Tarkulla, Om Satya Rural Municipality of Rupandehi, was diagnosed with leprosy after developing skin patches without sensation of touch. Despite taking other medications for over a year, her skin condition did not improve. Upon referral to the Butwal hospital and a skin smear test, she was confirmed to have leprosy. However, after a year of continuous Multi Drug Therapy medication, Dhanmati has been completely cured.
Dhanmati’s case is unique because, at her age, she did not show any fear or panic when diagnosed with leprosy. Instead, she was determined to follow her medication regimen strictly, with the help of her granddaughter-in-law’s reminders. She credits her family’s support and love for her speedy recovery.

Living in a joint family with three sons and their families, Dhanmati is a matriarch who enjoys spending time with her great-granddaughters and watching hindi movies on television. Her youngest son serves in a security force and is stationed in Surkhet, some 300 kms away. Dhanmati is the happiest when he comes back for his holidays. Despite her age and medical condition, she remains active and religiously performs her regular Pujas and offerings. She is proud of having visited Pashupatinath temple, one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimages in Kathmandu seven times already and wishes to visit again.

Although Dhanmati suffers from joint ache and pain in her knees, she continues to enjoy spending little time with the water buffaloes that her family rears in a shed behind their ancestoral home. Dhanmati’s family owns 4 kathas of land, which has been divided among her sons who continue the family’s occupation of agriculture. When feeling well, she visits her other son who lives in another village nearby on foot.

Dhanmati’s family members are vigilant about any signs of leprosy and have any skin patches or blisters checked up for signs of the disease whenever possible. She now has to have medicines for high blood pressure daily though. The family is also grateful that Dhanmati was diagnosed early and recovered quickly. Her family’s care and affection for her have also helped her to overcome the difficulties of aging. Her granddaughters would take in turn to apply oil massage on her knees and feet whenever she has pain and sore limbs. Dhanmati’s story serves as a testament to the importance of early diagnosis, proper medication, and the love and support of family in overcoming any medical condition, including leprosy.

Thank you to TLM for contributing this story for #WorldLeprosyDay!