30 January 2025

This two-part episode shines a light on the lived experiences of two remarkable individuals affected by NTDs. We explore firsthand how disability influences and affects their lives. In part 1, host Garry Aslanyan speaks with Mulikat Okanlawon, a survivor of noma in Nigeria and President of the Elysium Noma Survivors Association. Thanks to the tireless advocacy of Mulikat and other survivors, noma was officially recognized as an NTD by the World Health Organization in 2023. Claire Jeantet, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, speaks about collaborating with Mulikat over the past eight years to bring her story and the stories of other noma survivors to policymakers, academics and the public.

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Restoring Dignity, the documentary by French directors Claire Jeantet and Fabrice Catérini follows the journey of noma survivors from different regions of Nigeria.

Surviving Noma, the documentary directed and filmed by Claire Jeantet and Fabrice Catérini. Noma is a gangrenous infection starting in the mouth; disfigured survivors find a unique place to heal their wounds at the Noma Hospital in Sokoto.  

 

4 February 2025

This two-part episode shines a light on the lived experiences of two remarkable individuals affected by NTDs. We explore firsthand how disability influences and affects their lives. In part 2, host Garry Aslanyan speaks with Dan Izzett, a former civil engineering technician and pastor who has turned his retirement into a powerful mission advocating for people living with leprosy. Peter Waddup, the CEO of the Leprosy Mission in Great Britain, provides a thoughtful reflection on Dan's message and its practical implications for the global health community.


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The article "Meet the ‘lepers’ of Somerset – battling stigma from the West Country" published in The Telegraph, shares the powerful stories of Dan and Babs Izzett, a couple who lived with leprosy in silence for decades before dedicating themselves to helping others affected by the disease. Read the article to learn more about their inspiring journey and the ongoing battle against the stigma surrounding leprosy.

The Leprosy Mission Great Britain is a global Christian organisation leading the fight against leprosy.

 

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