Human Rights Group Raises Alarm Over 3,000 Leprosy Patients Left Without Access To Drugs

A human rights organisation under the aegis of Integration Dignity and Economic Advancement has raised concern on the dangers of leaving over 3,000 persons diagnosed with leprosy without medication.

The IDEA-Nigeria, the National Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy, said the delay in the supply of Multi-Drug Therapy, the life-saving treatment for leprosy, poses dire consequences the public health in Nigeria.

The President of IDEA-Nigeria, Peter Terver Iorkighir, at a press conference in Abuja said, the 3,000 diagnosed individuals, including children, therefore demanded immediate action from President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and use his office to resolve the crisis.

He said, “We, the Integration Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA-Nigeria), the National Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy, are compelled to address the nation and bring to the forefront a grave and pressing matter that threatens the health and dignity of thousands of Nigerians.

“For over ten months, the supply of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT)—the life-saving treatment for leprosy—has been delayed, leaving over 3,000 diagnosed individuals, including 800 children, without the medication they urgently need. This delay, resulting from bureaucratic bottlenecks and regulatory requirements, poses dire consequences for those living with leprosy and for public health in Nigeria.”

• Unnecessary Delays: The supply process for MDT, under WHO Purchase Order Number: 203416835, has been obstructed due to additional requirements from NAFDAC, particularly the Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP) for Rifampicin, despite its global acceptance as a donated drug.
• Impending Expirations: A critical NAFDAC permit will expire on December 31, 2024, and the CRIA (Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis) results will lapse by February 2025, potentially restarting the lengthy supply process.
• Human Impact: Without immediate intervention, delays will extend until late 2025, leaving patients untreated, increasing the risk of lifelong disabilities, and reversing progress in leprosy elimination.
• The Human Rights and Public Health Implications

The right to health is a fundamental human right recognized under Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By denying timely treatment, we are complicit in perpetuating the marginalization, discrimination, and preventable disabilities faced by persons affected by leprosy in Nigeria.

Iorkighir said while leprosy is not just a medical condition but also a social issue, untreated cases act as reservoirs for the disease, putting communities at risk, increasing transmission, and burdening the already strained healthcare system in Nigeria.

He said, “Today, we call on His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to urgently intervene and use his good office to resolve this crisis. We ask for:

• A Waiver from NAFDAC: To expedite the release and delivery of MDT without further delay.
• A Commitment to Public Health: By removing unnecessary barriers to the supply of donated medicines, Nigeria can reaffirm its commitment to leprosy elimination and the health of its citizens.
• Timely Access to Treatment: Ensuring the 3,000 affected individuals, including 800 children, receive their medication by December 2024.

“The plight of leprosy patients cannot be ignored. These delays are avoidable, and their consequences are preventable. We urge all stakeholders—government officials, regulatory agencies, and the international community—to act swiftly and decisively.

“IDEA-Nigeria, on behalf of persons affected by leprosy, is ready to work collaboratively with all concerned parties to ensure this crisis is resolved. We owe it to the marginalized among us to uphold their dignity, health, and humanity.

“Let this not be a time for blame but for bold action. We look to our leaders for compassion, for urgency, and for justice. Together, we can ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in the fight against leprosy.”

Friday Olokor

Follow us on: