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Anthony Ademiluyi
An epidemiologist, Kwarbai Aaron Maitala, has said that the Nigerian nation could do more to eradicate leprosy.
The epidemiologist who is also a public health expert said that while the Nigerian government should be commended for its efforts so far to tackle the scourge of leprosy, more could still be done to reduce and eventually eradicate the disease in the country.
Maitala, who is an epidemiologist with the World Health Organisation in Cross Rivers State spoke with PUNCH HealthWise on Monday in commemoration of the 2023 World Leprosy Day which was held on Sunday, January 29, 2023.
He noted that it has also become necessary for the public to have a better understanding of the disease to dispel some common erroneous misconceptions, adding that the government equally needs to do more to alleviate the plight of those infected by the health condition.
Maitala called for compassion and an end to the stigmatisation of those suffering from the ailment.
He said: “The Nigerian healthcare system is faced with various challenges such as inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a shortage of trained personnel, making it difficult to effectively manage and treat leprosy. Asides from this, this campaign are there but there is still a huge gap in terms of knowledge. I mean gaps in health education and sensitisation. For instance, rural areas are unaware of leprosy and its symptoms which has contributed to late diagnosis and treatment.
“Stigmatisation is also playing a huge role in why it has not come to an end. Leprosy is still associated with stigma and discrimination in many communities, making people reluctant to seek treatment. There is also a problem of insufficient screening. Screening programmes to detect leprosy are not widespread enough, leading to missed cases and missed opportunities to control the spread of the disease.
“Leprosy is one of the most neglected tropical diseases, however, we must acknowledge that the prevalence of leprosy in Nigeria is still high”.
He acknowledged the leprosy intervention programme that the Nigeria government introduced – the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, noting that it was to help to actively identify cases of leprosy, adding that there was also the five-year National Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Strategic Plan (2016-2020) and other campaigns in the northern region where cases are more prevalent.
He said that while the intervention programmes have largely achieved their purpose, the government still needs to do more as the condition is still in the country.
When asked what the Nigerian nation should do next to end leprosy, he said, “We must come back to the drawing board to re-strategies in areas of resources, manpower, accessibility, and affordability of health services that involve leprosy.
“The government must partner with the NGOs and capable hands to tackle the health condition, if not, we would keep going round and round in cycles”.
The expert allayed the fears that the disease is highly contagious. He said: “The fear that leprosy is highly contagious is largely a misconception. Leprosy is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae and is primarily spread through prolonged and close contact with an infected person, such as living in the same household. The risk of transmission is low, and it is not easily spread through casual contact or by breathing the same air In fact, only about 5 per cent of the population is naturally immune to leprosy, which means that 95% of people can be infected if they come into close and prolonged contact with the bacteria.
“However, with early diagnosis and treatment, the bacteria can be effectively controlled and the spread of the disease can be prevented.
“It is important to stress that leprosy is not highly contagious, and people should not discriminate against or ostracize those affected by the disease. Instead, they should be provided with access to treatment, care, and support to help manage the disease and reduce its impact.”
He harped on the need for treatment to be encouraged and provided. “Treatment is encouraged because in the case where leprosy is not treated, it may cause Disability. Untreated leprosy can cause progressive nerve damage, leading to muscle weakness and loss of sensation in the affected limbs. If left untreated, this can result in permanent disabilities, including blindness, deafness, and limb deformities.
“Leprosy can cause skin lesions, which can lead to disfigurement and social stigma. Untreated leprosy can also spread to other parts of the body, causing further damage to nerves and tissues while incorrect or incomplete treatment can lead to the development of drug-resistant strains of the bacterium, making it more difficult to effectively treat the disease.”
Speaking further on the importance of the theme of the 2023 World Leprosy Day ‘Act Now, End Leprosy’, he said, “It is a call to action to increase efforts to eliminate leprosy as a public health problem. This theme highlights the urgency and importance of addressing the challenges faced by those affected by leprosy, and the need to improve access to care and treatment to achieve the goal of ending leprosy.
“As a public health expert, to leverage this theme and further curb leprosy in Nigeria, we must come back to the drawing board to effectively increase public awareness about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for leprosy as well increase early diagnosis and treatment.
“We must also be improving access to leprosy care and treatment, including multi-drug therapy (MDT), which will help to control the spread of the disease and reduce its impact on affected individuals.
“We must equally be addressing the stigma associated with leprosy and promoting education and understanding about the disease to help reduce discrimination and increase access to care. while also improving the overall health system in Nigeria, including increasing funding, improving infrastructure, and training healthcare workers. This will improve the ability to detect and treat leprosy”.
Nigeria, he noted can end leprosy with a working system.
According to a study published online by Science Daily, leprosy is as old as man.
The study also noted that the discrimination suffered in the days of yore is still being suffered in this modern era, adding that the disease can be treated if adequate medical care is given to the sufferers.
Yet another cross-sectional study that evaluated some patients in Zaria, Kaduna State, and published in Leprev Journal revealed challenges like lack of funds for the medications, stigmatisation by the society, and ignorance about the ailment are often faced by those affected.
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