Leprosy is not heaven’s punishment —Health Minister

The Minister of Health Professor Isaac Adewole has denounced the speculations in some parts of the country that leprosy is a heaven’s punishment.

The Minister said it is not a heaven’s punishment but a disease that is curable.

The Minister made this    known over the weekend  while briefing the press to mark 2017 World Leprosy Day in Umuahia, Abia State.

Last Sunday of every January is set aside as World Leprosy Day in order to create awareness and mobilise support for leprosy control and  this year’s celebration was the 64th anniversary held on 29th January,2017. It was with the theme “Zero Disability Among Children Affected by Leprosy.”

The Minister said that the day provided opportunity to focus on an ancient disease that had caused a lot of misery to humans.

Adewole said: “There were many mistaken believes about leprosy as a disease was highly contagious, hereditary and heaven’s punishment. These negatively affected persons with leprosy even after they have been cured”.

The Minister called on families and general public not to discriminate against  persons affected with leprosy, adding that persons affected with leprosy needs care, love and support from families and general public.

Speaking, on the ministry’s effort to stem leprosy in Nigeria, the minister said: “We will continue to ensure sustained efforts to integrate leprosy control activities into health care service; institute a renewed focus on preventing disability and promote socio-economic rehabilitation; as well as community development in partnership with people affected with leprosy. We will also continue to collaborate with WHO to ensure free supply of MDT to our patients”

Adewole said the Ministry of Health in 2016, launched a five-year National Leprosy Strategic Plan (2016-2020). The document facilitated the implementation of appropriate strategies to increase case detection, improved treatment outcome, prevent disabilities and provide rehabilitation service to the affected persons.