Leprosy not a death sentence, curable, preventable

The Leprosy Mission Nigeria has said that it has intensified its campaign against discrimination of people affected by leprosy in Nigeria, through awareness creation to let the people know that leprosy is not a death sentence, but curable and preventable.

The National Director of Leprosy Mission Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Udo, stated this in Lokoja during the empowerment of fifteen persons with Disabilities and those affected with Leprosy in Kogi state with Start-up Kits worth over N8 million to better their living standard.

Udo noted that the reasons behind the empowerment are to enable the PWD and people affected with Leprosy to live a good life, become employers of Labour, and be useful to their families and communities, calling on the people to accommodate them without any act of discrimination.

Udo, who was represented by Sandra Sochima Ijere, said the Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN}), a non-governmental organization that was established in 1986, envisions Nigeria as an inclusive society where leprosy can be defeated, and people affected by leprosy and disabilities can live life in all its fullness.

“We want to see Zero Leprosy in Nigeria which translates to Zero Transmission of Leprosy, Zero Disabilities caused by leprosy and Zero Discrimination of persons affected by leprosy and disabilities,” he said.

In addition, he said to stop discrimination against people affected by leprosy, the mission has engaged in awareness creation to let the people know that leprosy is curable and preventable.

He noted that in alignment with the ongoing partnership and commitment to the Government of Kogi State, The Leprosy Mission Nigeria, in November 2022, enrolled 50 children of persons affected by leprosy and disabilities from the Oyi, isaniu, Mopa-Muro, Okene, Adavi, Okehi, Omala, and Lokoja communities in Kogi State into vocational skills training programs.

According to him, these skills included baking and pastries, tailoring, shoe and bag making, automobile repairs, welding, computer repairs, and phone repairs, among others.

He noted that out of these 50 participants, 33 were empowered with start-up kits in October 2023.

Earlier in his welcome address the Kogi State Programme Officer of the project, Mr. Reuben Isaiah, congratulated the beneficiaries for being considered for the empowerment.

He warned that the items must not be sold or misused and added that the items are worth over N8million and thanked the leprosy mission for the gesture.

Speaking also the Chairperson of Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET), Idris Ozovehe Muraina, appreciated the Leprosy Mission Nigeria for their unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, particularly persons with disabilities (PWD), in Kogi State.

“Your consistent efforts to uplift and empower those in need are truly commendable and have made a significant impact in our communities,” he said.

The Commissioner of Women Affairs, represented by Onumoko Adeniyi, Commended Leprosy Mission Nigeria for the gesture and urged the beneficiaries to make the best of the equipment.