The general Public has been called upon to recognise that leprosy far from being a relic of the past, still exists across the globe.
The call was contained in a statement issued by the Bauchi State Programme Manager, Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme of Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (BACATMA), Dr Yakubu Gida Abdullahi to commemorate the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day (WLD).
He stated that the 2024 World Leprosy Day with a Theme: “Beat Leprosy” campaign called for adequate attention on people suffering from the infection.
According to him, the commemoration emphasises the preventability and treatability of Leprosy, highlighting that no one should suffer needlessly.
Yakubu Gida Abdullahi however said that, despite being curable, Leprosy continues to carry a Societal stigma, a burden that people’s collective efforts aim to lift.
The TBL State Programme Manager, also called for public support so that “we can rewrite the narrative and ensure that no one faces needless suffering due to myths surrounding Leprosy in Society. Let’s beat Leprosy.”
World Leprosy Day (WLD) is celebrated on the last Sunday of January Annually, the International Day serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those affected by Leprosy and underscores the urgent need for awareness creation, increased access to quality services, reduction in stigma and discrimination.
The statement was issued to journalists in Bauchi on Sunday by the Information Unit, BACATMA.
