World Leprosy Day 2026: LTR urges Nigeria to tackle stigma, boost funding, restore dignity
The Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Initiative Nigeria (LTR) has called for urgent action to end stigma, neglect and chronic underfunding that continue to slow efforts to eliminate leprosy in the country, as the world marks World Leprosy Day 2026.
In a statement issued on Monday in Plateau State, LTR said the global theme for this year — “Leprosy is curable. The real challenge is stigma” — underscores a harsh reality confronting thousands of Nigerians affected by the disease. While leprosy is medically curable, stigma, discrimination and weak social support systems continue to destroy lives and delay treatment.
Leprosy is caused by bacteria. Treatment is free and effective, and early diagnosis prevents disability. Yet across communities, fear, misinformation, and discrimination persist, forcing many people to hide their condition, delay seeking care, and suffer avoidable complications.
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“Today, leprosy no longer destroys lives on its own; stigma does,” LTR said, adding that affected persons are often isolated from their families, denied livelihoods and stripped of dignity even after being cured.
Despite Nigeria remaining among countries that record new leprosy cases annually, LTR lamented that funding for leprosy control, rehabilitation and social reintegration remains critically low. According to the group, poor investment has weakened early case detection, contact tracing, disability prevention, community education and welfare support.
“Neglecting leprosy because it affects the poorest and most marginalised is a failure of public health responsibility and a violation of human dignity,” the statement said.
LTR stressed that cure alone is not enough, as many persons affected by leprosy live with permanent disabilities, inadequate housing, limited access to social protection and persistent discrimination. It warned that a health response that ends with treatment but ignores rehabilitation and reintegration leaves people healed but abandoned.
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The organisation also raised concerns about the condition of leprosy colonies across Nigeria, describing many as dilapidated, overcrowded and lacking basic amenities. Such conditions, it said, reinforce stigma instead of restoring dignity.
“In 2026, it is unacceptable that Nigerians affected by a curable disease are still forced to live in conditions that deny their humanity,” LTR stated, calling for modern, humane and inclusive approaches that prioritise rehabilitation and reintegration over segregation.
Drawing on more than four decades of experience inherited from the Netherlands Leprosy Relief legacy, LTR said it continues to support leprosy and tuberculosis control in several states through early detection, post-exposure prophylaxis, healthcare worker training, disability prevention and stigma reduction.
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While acknowledging that progress has been made, the organisation warned that such gains cannot be sustained without stronger collective commitment.
On World Leprosy Day, LTR urged the government to increase domestic funding for leprosy control, rehabilitation and welfare services; called on donors and development partners to sustain investments; appealed to the media to challenge harmful narratives; and encouraged communities and faith leaders to reject myths and embrace inclusion.
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“Ending leprosy is no longer only a medical task; it is a social and moral responsibility,” the statement concluded, stressing that World Leprosy Day 2026 must mark a renewed resolve to confront stigma, strengthen investment and restore dignity.
Saleh Gagarawa (anipr)
Communication & Media Officer
Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Initiative Nigeria (LTR)
Email: info@ltrnigeria.org
Website: www.ltrnigeria.org
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