Group Seeks Measures To Eradicate Leprosy In Nigeria

Stakeholders in the health sector have called for deliberate measures to kick out leprosy from Nigeria.

They made the call at a one-day Symposium on World Leprosy Day with the theme: “The Multi-Dimensional Impact of Leprosy on the Sufferers: The Need to have the Conversation Now” in Abuja”.

Leprosy is a curable infectious disease mainly causing skin lesions and nerve damage.

Dr Chukwuma Anyaike, National Coordinator, National Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme said there was need for Nigeria to join the global community to kick out leprosy from the country.

This, he said, it was because of its effects not just on adults but also on children.

Anyaike said that the group strongly believed that if leprosy was kicked out it would contribute majorly towards achieving sustainable development goals as a country.

Dr Sunday Udo, National Director of Leprosy Mission in Nigeria, said, “leprosy is really not getting much attention in Nigeria like other diseases probably because it affects the poorest of the poor.”

Udo said the symposium was put together to mark the World Leprosy Day was aimed at creating awareness on the disease and know how far the country had fared and the way forward.

Mrs Nella Andem-Rabana, SAN, Board Chairperson TLMN, said leprosy was curable, adding, “but because it is not known on time, it leaves indelible marks on people.

Andem-Rabana advised people to stop living by speculation and build their knowledge on how to tackle the disease so as to help themselves and those around them.

The National Leprosy Goodwill Ambassador, Chief Chika Okpala also known as Chief Zebrudaya called for the need to intensify sensitisation on the disease .

Okpala said:”If people are properly educated on the disease , then it would stop this stigmatisation that is rampant in Nigeria.”

He said that there was need for the government to take deliberate steps to tackle the disease, adding a lot needed to be done to eradicate the misconceptions around the disease.