How the Pacific Leprosy Foundation is helping a Fijian father overcome the stigma of a debilitating disease.
Often thought of as a biblical disease, leprosy is still affecting lives in 2025. Solomoni, a 31-year-old Fijian man, knows only too well the terrible consequences leprosy can inflict upon people’s health, livelihood and dignity.
Before she passed away a few years ago, Solomoni’s mother had suffered throughout her life with strange swellings on her face and body that were never diagnosed. So when Solomoni noticed the same swellings appearing on his own face, he feared the worst.
Afraid of the social stigma and terrified the condition might be hereditary, he quit his job and took his four-year-old son to live on a small rural subsistence farm outside Nadi. After living alone and away from prying eyes, he eventually appealed for help on social media last year to find a herbal remedy. His photo was shown to local medical workers and attempts were made to find him, but he didn’t respond to the messages.
This year, a new medical clinic opened near his home, and he went to consult with the staff about his problem. The doctor immediately suspected that he was suffering from leprosy and telephoned Twomey hospital for help and advice.
Solomoni has now been admitted to the hospital to be looked after during his first month of treatment. He is happy that his condition has improved, and relieved that he can be cured.
Solomoni’s living conditions remain basic, but now that the Pacific Leprosy Foundation knows about him and his circumstances, he will also receive help to improve his house and amenities.
His son will be examined regularly for the next few years to check for signs of leprosy, so that he can be treated promptly if he also develops the disease. This will reduce the possibility of infecting other people, and the chance of suffering from any long term effects of leprosy.
The Pacific Leprosy Foundation, established by Patrick Twomey in 1939, works with individuals and communities still affected by leprosy in developing countries across the Pacific region. It provides treatment, trains local health workers and runs awareness campaigns to reach those in need of support. It doesn’t receive government funding and cannot do this work without the help of generous Kiwi supporters.
To make a donation today, please visit leprosy.org.nz/fiji
