Group Targets Stronger Data Systems After Reaching Millions with TB, Leprosy Services
Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria — Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Initiative (LTR Nigeria) has unveiled plans to deepen investments in health data systems, vulnerability mapping and disability inclusion following major gains in leprosy, tuberculosis and HIV interventions across the country.
The organisation said the move is aimed at strengthening evidence-based policymaking and expanding access to quality healthcare for vulnerable populations.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, LTR Nigeria’s Communication and Media Officer, Mr Saleh Gagarawa, said the organisation had evolved beyond disease control to tackling broader social determinants of health, including poverty, stigma, disability and healthcare access barriers.
According to him, the organisation recorded remarkable achievements under its Ready4PEP project, surpassing its target by 149 per cent between 2021 and 2024.
“During the period, 2,092 new leprosy patients were identified and placed on treatment, while more than 31,600 contacts were screened. More than 29,000 eligible individuals also received preventive medication,” Gagarawa said.
He disclosed that LTR trained 1,456 healthcare workers in leprosy management and equipped an additional 2,203 personnel with SkinApp technology for identifying leprosy and other neglected tropical skin diseases.
In tuberculosis control, the organisation reached about 1.69 million Nigerians through community-based interventions under the Global Fund GC7 Grant.
Between 2024 and the first quarter of 2026, over 3.8 million people were screened through outreach programmes and healthcare networks, resulting in treatment initiation for more than 50,000 tuberculosis patients.
The organisation also linked 432 HIV-positive individuals to care and supported approximately 500 HIV-positive pregnant women to reduce mother-to-child transmission.
Despite the progress, Gagarawa identified stigma, insecurity, workforce shortages and limited rehabilitation services as major challenges.
He reaffirmed LTR Nigeria’s commitment to working with governments, development partners and communities to strengthen inclusive healthcare and sustainable development nationwide.
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius