On this World Leprosy Day with the Theme: “Beat Leprosy” the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has expressed worry that despite reaching the target of elimination of the disease as a country, Nigeria still reports a significant prevalence rate in some states.
The NMA in a press statement to mark the Day, Jointly signed by the NMA Chairman, Dr. Sebastine Oseghae Oiwoh and Secretary, Dr. Ifeoluwa Adetula on the National Committee on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), disclosed that Nigeria was still among the 17 countries that still report more than 1000 cases annually.
According to them, the epidemiological data between 2011 and 2021 showed an annual average of 2,754 new cases with 93 percent of them having the more severe disease that is infectious to others.
They also revealed an average of 8.3 percent of the new cases are children below the age of 15 suggesting ongoing new infections.
“Of all the new cases an average of 14.3 percent present with grade 2 disabilities suggesting significant delay in the diagnosis of the disease.
“However, there are ongoing concerns that involve a low index of leprosy suspicion, low leprosy detection, ongoing transmission, and recycling of leprosy cases amidst dwindling clinical skills,” they added
They further stressed the need to appropriately deal with the social and psychological burden associated with leprosy.
“Hence, the theme for the 2024 World Leprosy Day is “BEAT LEPROSY.” The need to stop the stigmatization associated with this highly disabling yet curable infection means the dignity and respect that are deserved should be accorded to all patients with leprosy.
“Their human rights to access and afford timely, effective, and efficiently safe health care must never be denied.”
Noting that currently, available data showed that the epidemiological data have varied over the last 10 years.
NMA said according to the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Program (NTBLCP) 2022 data, there were 2393 cases (2021 being 2398 new cases), most of whom had multibacillary leprosy (97 percent) affecting more than a third of females (37 percent) and less than a tenth of children (6 percent).
The grade 2 disability rate was above a tenth (13 percent) and was also 1.3 per one million population (the target is less than 1 case/million population).
They further explained that the disease is transmitted through droplets and by prolonged close contact over months with an untreated person.
“It is noteworthy that leprosy cannot be transmitted through handshakes or sitting next to a person with leprosy on a bus.”
The NMA called for appropriate clinical care, and social and psychological support to persons with leprosy, stating that stopping the stigmatisation and social ostracisation for which the infection has been known in the past when there was no available cure was paramount.
Stating that leprosy should be picked early, the organisation said: “Those pale-coloured/copper-coloured/reddish skin rashes where the sensation of pain is lost (anaesthetic) with little to no sweating may just be what is needed for early diagnosis.
“Swollen nerves especially around the elbow, knee, and sides of the neck accompany other symptoms and signs of leprosy.
“There can also be loss of temperature (hot or cold), light touch, and pain, especially on the hands and feet. This may first show as painless ulcers or burns on these sites that last longer than expected to heal.
“Other presentations may also include swellings (papules and nodules), ulcers (neuropathic ulcers), abnormal nerve functions like numbness among others, inability to close the eyes because of paralysis of the upper eyelid (lagophthalmos), etc.”
The duo said the concerted efforts by everyone will help eliminate leprosy.
SOURCE: Vanguard
