The importance of shoes


Tatu wears her new shoes

People living with leprosy experience numbness and as a result, they need specially made footwear to protect their limbs from becoming damaged.

Even so, many have severe disabilities as a result of late diagnosis and infection.

Having the right footwear can help these people to walk – giving them greater independence and in some cases enables them to farm and become selfsufficient.

Salum, our specialist footwear maker is skilled at making bespoke shoes for people with leprosy-related disabilities. Every three months or so, he checks his special shoes, making repairs and adjusting them to the person’s changing needs. Just recently he made some new shoes for Tatu; this means she can walk unassisted and in less pain.

Materials for making shoes

Just recently under National TB and Leprosy Programme, Kindwitwi received some readymade shoes and shoe materials. These include leather, glue, thread, speed rivets and buckles.

People outside of Kindwitwi also benefit from Salum’s skills. He often rides his motorbike to distant villages, taking his knives and leather working tools so he can make bespoke shoes for those who are not suitable for the government-issue sandals.