2010 AUTUMN/WINTER NEW DAY APPEAL

O Lord my God, I cried to You for help, and You restored my health. Psalm 30:2

This is Hassane, and his twin brother Housseni. They are 28 years old and come from a small village in rural Niger. Niger is a very poor country which is currently suffering greatly under a burden of drought and crop failure. Through the CSL Danja hospital and its community outreach projects, The Leprosy Mission is making a real positive impact on communities with nowhere else to turn.

Hassane and Housseni have always been close, but they could never have guessed that they would one day share a diagnosis of leprosy. The two brothers were diagnosed at CSL Danja hospital. Both were given a course of multidrug therapy, and Housseni was cured with no complications. Sadly Hassane had already lost some feeling in his hands, which developed into 'clawing' of the fingers. He also had a severe reaction to the anti-leprosy drugs, which made him so ill that he had to be admitted as a long-term inpatient. During his stay Hassane was shown physiotherapy techniques to regain movement in his hand, and also how to care for himself to prevent future injuries.

Hassane was popular with all the staff and patients at the hospital. Every day he would sit in the Prevention of Disability department, talking to other patients and helping staff with translation. He was keen to learn all about leprosy, the truth behind the myths and how to care for himself effectively. As he sat chatting with the other patients, Hassane gave advice and encouragement, showing a loving attitude that made a big difference to many people. Eventually, thanks to the holistic care he received, Hassane was able to go home to his village with no major impairments.

About a year later, Hassane came back to CSL Danja. Normally, the staff would have been thrilled to see him again; this time, they were shocked by the change in him. This once-cheerful man was dreadfully ill and had lost so much weight he was almost unrecognisable. He also had a fractured wrist, which was causing him a lot of pain.

After some diagnostic tests, it was discovered that the underlying reason for all these health issues was severe tuberculosis. He was admitted to the ward and his brother Housseni came to care for him. Hassane needed close medical supervision, plaster casting and physiotherapy for his fractured wrist, and lots of nutrient-rich food. Hassane gradually began to get stronger and put on weight. After several months of treatment, he was fit and strong enough to go back home.

Hassane recently came back to the hospital to receive medication for a minor ailment. One doctor commented, 'It was a joy to see his happy smiling and healthy face! He greeted everyone with so much enthusiasm and never fails to express his gratefulness.' This picture of Hassane (above) shows just how much healthier he looked on this last visit.

On Hassane's behalf, I'd like to express my gratefulness to you for your support of The Leprosy Mission. The gift you choose to give today will help staff at CSL Danja to keep caring for those who really need them, going the extra mile to bring healing of body and mind.

Rupert Haydock
National Director