The three tiers of government in Nigeria will need to stop the discrimination against people living with leprosy.
The Leprosy Mission Nigeria which said this during an empowerment programme for some people affected by the health condition and persons with disabilities expressed concerns that there is no available data of persons infected by the disease in Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria.
It warns that leprosy however remains a serious public health concern in Nigeria, with over 3,500 people diagnosed each year and approximately 25% of these patients suffer from one form of disability or the other.
The Leprosy Mission Nigeria noted that it is looking forward to an inclusive society where leprosy is defeated, and the people affected by it with their disabilities Iive life in all its fullness.
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National Director of Leprosy Mission Nigeria, Sunday Udo, said that constant engagement in awareness creation to let the people know that leprosy is curable and preventable will help reduce stigmatisation in the country.
Aside from awareness creation, stakeholders emphasised the need to empower persons living with leprosy to enable them to be self-reliant and not burdens to the society.
Participants agreed that Nigerians should work together to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all irrespective of the disease they are living with or their disability status.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
