KANO – Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief (LTR) Nigeria has called on governments, development partners and other stakeholders to prioritise the reintegration of persons affected by leprosy, stressing that successful treatment should be accompanied by deliberate efforts to restore livelihoods, education, social inclusion and economic independence.
The call was made by the organisation’s Media and Communication Officer, Saleh Farouq Gagarawa, during an interview on Cool FM 96.9 Kano’s Midday Oasis, where he highlighted the need to address stigma, disability and the long-term welfare of persons affected by leprosy.
Gagarawa explained that leprosy is a curable disease and urged the public to reject the misconception that people living with disabilities resulting from leprosy remain infectious after completing treatment. According to him, most disabilities associated with leprosy result from delayed diagnosis and treatment rather than the disease itself.
He noted that while considerable attention is often given to medical treatment, far less emphasis is placed on helping those affected rebuild their lives after recovery. He said many individuals return to their communities without employment, vocational skills, adequate housing or sustainable sources of income, making reintegration a major challenge.
The LTR official called for the deliberate inclusion of persons affected by leprosy in existing government and private-sector empowerment initiatives, including employment schemes, vocational training, entrepreneurship programmes and adult education. He stressed that meaningful reintegration should enable affected persons to live independently and participate fully in society.
Gagarawa also underscored the need for better data on the living conditions of persons after completing leprosy treatment. While health authorities maintain records of diagnosis and treatment, he said there is limited information on their post-treatment realities, including employment, education, housing, disability status and access to social support.
To address this gap, he introduced the proposed National Leprosy Vulnerability Intelligence and Inclusion System (NLVIIS), an initiative designed to generate comprehensive data on the vulnerabilities and socio-economic conditions of persons affected by leprosy. He explained that the system would support evidence-based interventions and help connect beneficiaries with appropriate opportunities and services.
Illustrating the impact of stigma, Gagarawa recounted the case of a woman who lost her job after recovering from leprosy because her employers wrongly believed she could still transmit the disease. He said such experiences demonstrate the need to begin reintegration planning before patients complete treatment by equipping them with skills and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
He further called for sustained public enlightenment to dispel myths surrounding leprosy and reduce discrimination against affected persons and their families. According to him, misconceptions about transmission and inheritance continue to fuel social exclusion, making continuous awareness campaigns essential.
The interview also highlighted innovations aimed at strengthening dermatological care in Nigeria, including the SkincAir Project, a digital platform developed to assist healthcare professionals in identifying skin conditions in areas with limited access to dermatologists.
Gagarawa concluded by urging Nigerians to become advocates for persons affected by leprosy, noting that the fight against the disease should not end with medical treatment but continue until survivors can live, work and participate in society free from stigma and discrimination.
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