Kwara State Government has trained over 500 Primary Healthcare workers on leprosy detection and management in the 16 Local Government Areas of the state, an official has said.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Taoheed Abdullahi, said this, on Tuesday, during a medical outreach, organised for the inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Oke-Kura, Ilorin.
Ashenews gathered through NAN that leprosy or Hansen’s disease is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae bacteria that primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory tract mucosa, and eyes.
It is characterised by pale skin lesions, numbness, and, if untreated, progressive physical disability.
But, it is curable with multi-drug therapy.
Abdullahi said that information and communication materials in local languages had been distributed to the people to improve awareness.
He said that leprosy services had been integrated into routine healthcare outreaches.
According to him, that has contributed significantly to the reduction of disability cases among newly diagnosed patients.
He said the State Government remained committed to eliminating the disease through sustained awareness campaigns, early detection and community engagement.
Abdullahi also said that the government was working closely with relevant stakeholders to raise public awareness and support the global drive, tagged: “Leprosy Zero by 2030”.
He observed that leprosy thrives in silence, hidden by fear, misinformation and discrimination which, he said, deprive individuals and communities of dignity and productivity.
“Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma, and there is global efforts to dispel misconceptions, promote early diagnosis and ensure timely treatment of affected persons.
“Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, remains a public health concern, in spite being completely curable with multi-drug therapy, provided free of charge,” Abdullahi said.
Abdullahi commended Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his sustained commitment to universal health coverage and the elimination of neglected tropical diseases in the state.
Also speaking, the Officer-in-Charge of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Oke-Kura, Assistant Comptroller of Corrections, Omole Olumuyiwa, expressed appreciation to the State Government for extending free medical screening, treatment and sensitisation to inmates.
Olumuyiwa, who was represented by Chief Superintendent of Corrections, Ariyibi Surajudeen, urged private organisations and individuals to support similar interventions to complement government’s efforts in correctional facilities.
