Publication:

Shattered bonds: social isolation and vocational rehabilitation failure in a leprosy survivor from Andhra Pradesh

Leprosy, a chronic infection even though clinically treatable with multidrug therapy (MDT), continues to take a heavy toll on affected individuals - not only through physical disability but also through persistent social stigma and isolation. This case report details a 40-year-old male from Andhra Pradesh, whose journey with leprosy has been marked by progressive neurological impairment, multiple surgical interventions, and socioeconomic consequences. Despite receiving clinical and surgical care, the pervasive stigma attached to his condition has led to the loss of livelihood and the breakdown of family ties, leading to social isolation. This case report underscores the need for integrated community-based public health strategies that can address both medical and sociocultural dimensions of leprosy.