Australia Awards South and West Asia

Growing up near a leprosy clinic in northern Bangladesh, Australia Awards alumnus Dr David Pahan from the Orao indigenous community was deeply moved by the struggles of individuals affected by leprosy. These individuals faced not only physical challenges caused by delayed diagnoses but also profound societal prejudice. Witnessing their suffering left an enduring impression on Dr Pahan, inspiring him to dedicate his life to healthcare and advocacy for marginalised communities.

Dr Pahan began his career as a medical officer in 1996, providing direct care to patients in Thakurgaon district with The Leprosy Mission International. There, he understood that clinical work alone could not address systemic issues fueling the exclusion of people with disability. Determined to drive broader change, he pursued a Master of Disability Studies at Flinders University in Australia in 2012, supported by the Australian Leadership Award.

Reflecting on his experience, Dr Pahan said, “My Australian journey transformed my understanding of disability care, equipping me with the tools to approach the issue from a rights-based and inclusive perspective.”

Dr Pahan during his time in Australia.

Upon his return to Bangladesh in 2014, Dr Pahan joined Lepra Bangladesh as the Director of Program Development. Combining academic insights with practical interventions, he tackled the challenges posed by neglected tropical diseases like leprosy and lymphatic filariasis. These diseases can lead to disability and are often accompanied by stigma and prejudice due to their symptoms. In 2019, he was promoted to Country Director of Lepra Bangladesh, a role he held until March 2024.

Under his leadership, Lepra Bangladesh introduced programs that revolutionised healthcare delivery, empowering people affected by disability and advocating policy reform. Dr Pahan collaborated with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and oversaw the training of government health personnel to provide disability care in a holistic way. He emphasised early detection and treatment for diseases to prevent disability, and integrated disability-care into the broader public healthcare system.  Lepra’s ‘Health System Strengthening Program,’ in which he was actively involved, transferred knowledge and skills to government employees, ensuring sustainable care for leprosy and lymphatic filariasis.

A key aspect of his work was establishing over 600 self-help groups across eight districts in Bangladesh. These groups provided safe spaces for people with disability to share experiences, support one another, and build resilience. The creation of community-based organisations at sub-district and district levels was particularly transformative. These organisations advocated for the rights of people with disability, engaged with policymakers and collaborated with government agencies to secure essential entitlements like disability allowances. This inclusive model fostered a sense of belonging and empowerment, breaking down the isolation people with disability often face.

Dr Pahan recognises that many barriers remain for people with disability in Bangladesh, including limited access to quality healthcare, education, and employment, compounded by entrenched social stigma. Dr Pahan emphasises that addressing these issues requires systemic change and a shift in societal attitudes.

Collaboration has been central to Dr Pahan’s approach to supporting people with disability. He has worked closely with officials delivering government programs such as the National Leprosy Program and the National Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Program, ensuring that disability care is prioritised in public healthcare policies. In 2020, he and his Lepra team supported the capacity building of more than 4000 government health personnel on disability management for people affected by lymphatic filariasis in 19 endemic districts. Lepra has also partnered with the Bangladesh Government’s Social Welfare Department to help individuals access government support programs, including disability allowances and widow pensions.

Dr Pahan’s contributions extend beyond national borders. Representing Bangladesh at international conferences and seminars, he has shared insights and learnt from global best practices. These experiences have informed Lepra’s programs, keeping them innovative and locally relevant, while adhering to international standards.

Dr Pahan educating a group of women with lymphatic filariasis about self-care during a workshop.

Currently, Dr Pahan is working as an independent evaluator, supports the Damien Foundation Program on the midterm evaluation of its Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Project. As part of this evaluation, he visited the physiotherapy department of Jalchatra Hospital in Madhupur, Upazila, in the Tangail District of Bangladesh, where all patients had disability as a consequence of leprosy. In his role, Dr Pahan provides guidance not only to individuals affected by leprosy but also to physiotherapists on better disability management, including assistive device support. His contributions continue to improve the quality of care and support for those affected by leprosy and lymphatic filariasis-related disabilities.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr Pahan credits the Australia Awards Scholarship for his career development. “I am thankful to Australia Awards for playing a pivotal role in shaping my career. The Scholarship provided an education that extended beyond academics, instilling in me a global perspective and a commitment to equity and inclusion,” he said. The skills and knowledge he gained have been instrumental in creating sustainable change in the disability sector.

Looking to the future, Dr Pahan envisions a world in which community-based organisations play a central role in enhancing the lives of people with disability. He dreams of a society where people with disability are not only included but celebrated for their contributions. International Day of Persons with Disabilities holds special significance for him. “It is a reminder of our collective responsibility to build an inclusive society where everyone is valued. It’s also an opportunity to amplify the voices of people with disability and advocate for their rights,” he says. Throughout his career, Dr Pahan has remained steadfast in his mission to empower people with disability. Whether through training healthcare providers, advising policymakers, or mentoring community leaders, his work reflects an unwavering commitment to creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Dr Pahan’s story reflects compassion, resilience, and transformative leadership. It reminds us that lasting change is possible through education, dedication, and collaboration. His efforts continue to inspire hope and bring progress to Bangladesh and beyond.