Abia State is making bold strides in healthcare as Governor Alex Otti demonstrates his unwavering commitment to preventing and reducing the incidence of leprosy and disability. This was revealed by Mr. David Anyaele, Chairman of the Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons, during an interaction with newsmen in Umuahia on Saturday.
In his statement, Anyaele applauded Governor Otti’s proactive measures aimed at improving healthcare access for all residents of Abia. He highlighted the governor’s recent initiatives, including the renovation and remodeling of 200 primary healthcare centers across the state’s 184 wards, describing it as a game-changing step toward equitable healthcare delivery.
A Vision for Healthcare Excellence
“Governor Otti has set a new benchmark for healthcare in Abia State,” Anyaele said. “By equipping these centers with independent power supply, efficient water systems, and other critical infrastructure, he has laid the groundwork for a robust and accessible healthcare system for all, especially those in rural areas.”
Anyaele revealed that 35% of the 2025 state budget has been allocated to healthcare and education, a testament to Otti’s prioritization of these sectors. He added that the Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons is working closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure residents affected by leprosy have access to prevention and treatment services.
Combatting Stigma Through Collaboration
Anyaele emphasized the Commission’s dedication to fostering public awareness about leprosy prevention and treatment. He announced a collaboration with the Integration Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA-Nigeria) to tackle stigma and discrimination, which he identified as the greatest challenge facing individuals affected by leprosy.
“Many individuals who have been successfully treated for leprosy face social rejection and are unable to reintegrate into their communities due to negative public perceptions,” Anyaele stated. “This is why we are committed to reducing stigma through awareness campaigns and partnerships with civil society organizations and NGOs. Together, we can provide the necessary support to enhance their well-being and economic independence.”
IDEA-Nigeria Raises Alarm on Treatment Shortages
As part of its activities for World Leprosy Day 2025, members of IDEA-Nigeria and the National Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy paid an unscheduled visit to Anyaele’s office on Friday. During the visit, the group’s Chairman, Mr. Emeka Ikpe, expressed grave concerns about the unavailability of multi-drug therapy (MDT), the standard treatment for leprosy, across Abia State and the nation.
“We are alarmed by the shortage of MDT, which is essential for treating leprosy patients,” Ikpe said. “Despite efforts to eliminate leprosy, new cases are emerging. In Uzuakoli, for instance, you’ll find several new patients in urgent need of treatment.”
Ikpe revealed that this year’s World Leprosy Day, themed “Unite. Act. Eliminate,” aims to create awareness among stakeholders and mobilize support to make leprosy treatment accessible once again.
A National Concern for Leprosy Treatment
Adding her voice to the call for action, Dr. Ngozi Ekeke of Red Aid Nigeria, formerly the German Leprosy Relief Association, painted a grim picture of the current state of leprosy treatment in Nigeria.
“Thousands of newly diagnosed leprosy patients have been unable to access treatment for over a year,” Ekeke disclosed. “Leprosy treatment is supposed to be free worldwide. The arrangement is that Novartis, a pharmaceutical company, donates the medicine to the World Health Organization (WHO), which then distributes it to countries based on their needs. However, Nigeria has either failed to request the drugs or failed to take delivery.”
Ekeke’s revelations highlight a critical gap in Nigeria’s healthcare system and underscore the need for urgent intervention at both state and federal levels.
A Renewed Commitment to Health and Dignity
In response to these challenges, Mr. Anyaele assured the public of Governor Otti’s unwavering commitment to addressing healthcare inequities in the state. He called for a collective effort to ensure that no one is left behind, especially vulnerable groups such as persons affected by leprosy.
“We must unite as a state and as a nation to address these challenges head-on,” Anyaele said. “By working together, we can eliminate leprosy, reduce the prevalence of disability, and build a more inclusive and compassionate society.”
A Brighter Future for Abia State
As World Leprosy Day is marked on January 26, the theme “Unite. Act. Eliminate” serves as a rallying cry for stakeholders to intensify efforts toward eliminating leprosy and addressing the stigma associated with the disease.
Governor Otti’s healthcare initiatives, coupled with the efforts of the Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons, signal a brighter future for healthcare in the state. With a focus on inclusion, accessibility, and dignity, Abia is poised to lead by example in tackling leprosy and disability while championing the rights and well-being of its most vulnerable residents.
The message is clear: in Abia State, no one will be left behind.
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