Individuals affected by leprosy in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have kicked against social exclusion and sought to eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with the disease as Nigeria joined the global community to mark the 2024 World Leprosy Day.
In exclusive interviews with Science Nigeria in Abuja yesterday, affected individuals shared their struggles and experiences, shedding light on the challenges they face. The theme for World Leprosy Day 2024 is “Beat Leprosy”, encapsulating the dual objectives of eradicating stigma and promoting the dignity of people affected by the disease.
Expressing his ordeal, Mallam Musa Kabiru highlighted the physical and emotional toll of leprosy, leading to impairment, deformity, and disability. He shared his struggles with unemployment, discrimination and the need to resort to begging for survival, emphasising the lack of support from the government or any gainful employment.
“I suffer from what doctors call nerve damage, resulting in impairment, deformity, and disability. I have long battled hunger and discrimination. With no gainful employment or support from anyone or the government, I am now forced to beg for money. If I can get up to N200, I will be grateful for that day,” Kabiru lamented.
Kabiru’s story reflects a broader issue of social ostracisation leading to isolation, unemployment, and limited access to healthcare and education. Ms. Mario Shehu acknowledged recent efforts to address these issues but expressed the need for continuous awareness and active measures to challenge negative perceptions surrounding leprosy.
Shehu highlighted a common pattern where support diminishes after World Leprosy Day celebrations, emphasising the importance of sustained efforts, such as community outreach programs and dispelling myths about leprosy, to encourage acceptance and integration of affected individuals into mainstream society.
Mrs. Doris Maigari emphasised the government’s role in ensuring equal access to healthcare and education for people with leprosy. She called for the establishment of special clinics equipped with trained medical professionals providing free treatment and rehabilitation services. Additionally, Maigari urged the government to initiate vocational training programmes to empower the community with skills leading to sustainable employment opportunities.
Pastor Matthew Okafor highlighted persistent challenges in the battle against social exclusion, emphasising the need for collaborative efforts from the government, civil society organisations, and the general public to eradicate prejudices and ensure equal rights for individuals with leprosy.
Leprosy, an ancient disease, remains endemic and a major public health problem in many tropical countries, particularly in underdeveloped regions. Linked to underdevelopment, leprosy is classified as one of the neglected tropical diseases.
Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, leprosy is a chronic infectious disease with a slow incubation period of up to 20 years. It mainly affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and eyes, transmitting through droplets from infected persons. Early detection and treatment with multidrug therapy are crucial to prevent permanent damage.
The World Health Organisation’s theme of “Beat Leprosy” emphasises addressing the social and psychological aspects of leprosy alongside medical efforts. It calls for a world where leprosy is no longer a source of stigma but an opportunity to demonstrate compassion and respect for all individuals. On this World Leprosy Day, the global community is urged to work collectively towards eliminating the misconceptions and prejudices associated with leprosy.
