The north-western Nigerian state of Kebbi has reported 99 active leprosy cases since October 2015, according to a Nigeria media report Saturday. The data was disclosed after an investigation by The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN).
According to the report, Kebbi TLMN coordinator, Ibrahim Abubakar noted that in the fourth quarter of 2015 between October, November and December, 97 cases of leprosy were detected while an additional two cases were discovered in the first quarter of 2016, making a total of 99 active cases of leprosy in the state.
The advocacy group calls on media to reach out to the government for the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights for persons affected by leprosy and other disabilities in the society.
According to the National Hansen’s Disease Program, Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy, is a chronic bacterial disease that primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves and upper airway. Feared as a highly contagious and devastating disease, it is well established that Hansen’s disease (leprosy) is not highly transmissible, is very treatable, and, with early diagnosis and treatment, is not disabling.
Yet Hansen’s disease (leprosy) remains a misunderstood human infectious disease. The stigma long associated with the disease still exists in most of the world and the psychological and social effects may be more difficult to deal with than the actual physical illness.
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