๐๐ผ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ธ๐ป๐ผ๐? Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious condition caused by Mycobacterium leprae.
It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, and eyes. If left untreated, leprosy can lead to progressive and permanent disabilities (Mennuru, Birudala & Birudala, 2023, Bassey et al., 2020). Though curable with multidrug therapy (MDT), the disease remains a public health challenge in Nigeria (Utaka et al., 2024, NCDC, 2017).
ย According to World Health Organization (2025), Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) which still occurs in more than 120 countries, with more than 200,000 new cases reported every year. In Nigeria over 3,500 people are diagnosed with leprosy yearly with about 25% of victims having some degree of disability due to delayed diagnosis. Myths and superstitions surrounding the disease perpetuate stigma and discrimination, creating barriers to treatment and community reintegration (Utaka et al., 2024, NCDC, 2017).
Transmission of the disease occurs through airborne droplets from nasal secretions or direct contact with infected individuals. Early symptoms include skin lesions, sensory loss, and thickened nerves. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to halting the diseaseโs progression and preventing disabilities (Calderone et al., 2024, NCDC, 2017).
January 26 marks World Leprosy Day, observed annually on the last Sunday of January. It’s a day that serves as a global platform to celebrate individuals who have experienced leprosy, raise awareness about the disease, and advocate for an end to leprosy-related stigma and discrimination (World Health Organization, 2025).
The 2025 World leprosy day’s theme is ๐จ๐ป๐ถ๐๐ฒ. ๐๐ฐ๐. ๐๐น๐ถ๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐๐ฒ. It calls for collective and immediate action toward the eradication of leprosy. It emphasizes three critical pillars:
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๐จ๐ป๐ถ๐๐ฒ: Bringing together governments, healthcare providers, NGOs, and communities to coordinate efforts in combating leprosy.๐๐ฐ๐: Proactive measures, such as public education, early diagnosis, effective treatment, and empowerment of affected individuals, are essential to stopping the disease.๐๐น๐ถ๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐๐ฒ: Achieving the global goal of eliminating leprosy through sustained commitment, innovation in treatment, and increased investment in outreach efforts (WHO, 2025).ย
The commemoration of this year’s World Leprosy Day is a reminder that leprosy still exists, and the fight against it requires sustained commitment. By uniting, acting decisively, and eliminating stigma, we can ensure a world free of leprosy.