A nurse from Sumba Foundation performing a slit-skin smear to confirm the diagnosis of leprosy. This test collects tissue fluid from a small cut in the affected skin (or earlobes), which is then stained to detect bacteria under a microscope.

Globally, Indonesia is ranked third after India and Brazil with the highest number of people affected by leprosy. In 2019, the Indonesian Ministry of Health recorded more than 17,000 persons who were newly diagnosed with leprosy: 11% were children and 6% had severe disabilities, indicating ongoing disease transmission and diagnostic delays.

This photo exhibition illustrates an invisible burden among the world’s poorest. Leprosy and its complications heavily impact an individuals’ mental and social well-being. People affected by leprosy often feel fear and shame causing depression, anxiety, and social conflicts including divorce, loss of daily income or displacement from their homes. Leprosy may also have an impact on the family, friends, and the community overall.

Doctor Gladys cleans the wound on the sole of Toru’s foot. She had skin complaints for more than 10 years before leprosy was diagnosed through the teledermatology services. Toru started multi-drug therapy that consists of three antibiotics,
and is monitored monthly by Sumba Foundation to prevent complications.

Talo, the father of Ringu, is also affected by leprosy. He is undergoing a nerve examination. If nerves in the face are affected,
patients may have difficulties closing their eyes which can cause blindness.

Talo walks to his brother’s grave, who passed away two years ago. Based on his stories, Talo’s brother was suffering from multiple skin lesions and wounds across his body suggesting he may have had leprosy as well.

THE INVISIBLE BURDEN OF LEPROSY