Living with LF
Sultan's story
Sultan has grown up with lymphatic filariasis, contracting the disease at just the age of 12. His condition began with extreme itching and irritation of his legs, which then developed into the abnormal swelling. This forced him to leave school early and not complete his secondary education, limiting him to manual jobs. To earn a living Sultan is now self-employed, earning what he can by carrying water, when he is able.
The stigma that lymphatic filariasis creates provides Sultan with mixed reactions from his local community, some feel sorrow for him, others discriminate. So he hides his deformed legs with baggy jeans. Traditional medicines have had little or no effect on Sultan’s condition, however now the lymphatic filariasis elimination programme has reached his village, he is being taught to care for his legs in a way that will hopefully limit the effects of this disabling disease.
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