Prioritise leprosy eradication, NMA urges govt

• Published date: 02 February 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has urged Federal Government to prioritise eradication of leprosy.

The association said this in a statement signed by its Chairman of National Committee on Neglected Tropical Diseases, Sebastine Oiwoh.

It called for sustained funding from governments to eradicate the disease.

The statement said the NMA President, Dr. Uche Ojinmah, stressed that Nigeria should Act Now and End Leprosy while speaking during 2023 World Leprosy Day.

NMA hailed efforts at controlling and eliminating leprosy, but called for more work to reach zero leprosy by 2030.

It said timely prevention or early diagnosis from the time a patient has painless skin discolouration will help prevent disability.

The statement reads: 'Leprosy is an ancient, stigmatising, infectious neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It is one of the oldest diseases of mankind that has seen a downward global trend of diagnosis following...