Next time you pick up a delicious capsicum at your local supermarket or greengrocer, spare a thought and a prayer for Chaituram.
Chaituram, from Nepal, knows the importance of a good diet with access to fresh veggies to help develop a strong and healthy immune system. And a healthy immune system can help fight off diseases like leprosy. Leprosy is a disease which thrives under conditions where people have less access to resources. Resources such as fresh water for washing and drinking, enough healthy food to eat, education to understand the signs and symptoms of leprosy, and healthcare facilities to diagnose and treat the disease.
Chaituram discovered he had leprosy 10 years ago. He was fortunate to be diagnosed early and received treatment in the form of Multi-Drug Therapy and was successfully cured. Limited information meant he only discovered later how fortunate he was to have escaped serious consequences in the form of discrimination and disability.
Chaituram learned more about leprosy through joining a Self-Help Group (SHG) supported by The Leprosy Mission Australia. The group loaned him money to begin his business, and after his first harvest of capsicums, he was already able to repay the loan in full!
Because of this, Chaituram has been able to support his family and his three children’s education. Chaituram watched the SHG grow and merge into a cooperative, and was even a board member for a time, until his business required much more of his focus.
Now Chaituram can continue to grow as a farmer. He looks to improve his business by implementing more efficient watering systems learned during his time as a vegetable farmer in Kathmandu.
As you prepare your next meal, remember that capsicum represents so much more than part of a delicious, healthy meal. For people like Chaituram it can also be a way out of poverty.
Written by Glen Coleman, Church Engagement Coordinator, The Leprosy Mission Australia.
