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Leprosy is nasty. It attacks the nervous system and kills nerve endings resulting in permanent loss of sensation. Affected parts of the body are then susceptible to secondary damage from undetected infections or simple physical contact. Most leprosy sufferers can be identified by their amputations or "clawed" limbs. Leprosy can be infectious and communities have protected themselves by shunning people with leprosy altogether. This social stigma is still prevalent today and, in all West Africa, it has led to those living with leprosy being exiled from all that they hold most dear: their family and village. Isaac (pictured left) was 10 years old when his parents discovered he had leprosy. Click here to read his story. |