Leprosy Mission tasks Nigerians to shun stigmatisation

The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) has raised the alarm on the high prevalence of the disease in the country, noting that compassion towards victims is the surest way for faster healing instead of stigmatization.

While speaking to journalists in Minna, Niger State capital, the Community Relations Officer of The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) and also Coordinator of TLMN volunteers, Habila Daniel Diko, said all the patients need is love and compassion to overcome the illness.

He made this known on Saturday when members of the TLMN Volunteers embarked on a sanitation exercise at the Leprosarium in Minna, as part of activities by the TLMN in ensuring that patients get adequate medical attention, meals and prosthetic limbs to those who have amputated legs.

According to Habila, “the disease is less contaminable, but it is still very much around as there are cases of even little children with leprosy.

“I look forward to a society where leprosy is no longer a source of stigma but rather an opportunity to demonstrate compassion and respect for all individuals”, he said.

Recall that the World Leprosy Day is observed every year on the last Sunday in January to increase public awareness of leprosy or Hansen’s Disease.

Speaking on the theme of this year “Beat Leprosy”, Habila said it encapsulates the dual objectives of eradicating the stigma associated with leprosy and promotes the dignity of people affected by the disease.

He further disclosed that children of patients who are in the community are given scholarship with full learning materials, adding that “five of the students are now in various higher institutions across the country.

“For those who are healed and wish to go back home, we support them with low-cost apartment and some funds to start up small businesses to take care of themselves”.

Also, secretary of the TLMN Volunteers, Mrs. Larai Ezekiel, called for interventions and support from well-meaning Nigerians, adding that “patients at the Leprosarium are not only indigenes of Niger but from various states across Nigeria”.