This article is part of HuffPosts Project Zero campaign, a yearlong series on neglected tropical diseases and efforts to fight them.

UTUT FOREST, Kenya For Hellen Ruttoh Tarko, living in a cave for 16 years in a remote part of Kenya was bearable until a mysterious flesh-eating disease started taking over her face.

At night, she would lie awake and feel the wounds itching as the disease spread. In the remote area where she lives, this disease is considered a curse and is known as shetani, or devil.