The Chairman of the Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons, Mr. David Anyaele, has reiterated Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to improving the lives of people living with disabilities and reducing the incidence of leprosy in the state.
Anyaele made the statement during an unscheduled visit by members of the Integration Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA-Nigeria) and the state chapter of the National Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy in Umuahia on Friday.
He highlighted the governor’s recent initiative to enhance healthcare access for all Abians, underscoring the renovation of 200 primary healthcare centres across the state. These centres will be equipped with independent power supplies and water systems to improve healthcare delivery.
As part of a broader commitment to healthcare, Otti’s administration allocated 35% of the 2025 budget to healthcare and education, aiming to ensure that services are accessible, affordable, and available, especially in rural and underserved areas.
The statement reads in part: “We equally commit to reducing stigma and discrimination because we understand that the bulk of the key challenge IDEA members face has to do with stigma and discrimination.
“We learnt that most of your members that have already been treated are finding it difficult to go back to their communities because of the negative perception of the members of the public on prevention and treatment of persons affected by leprosy.
“Therefore, we will continue to activate all measures to foster collaboration with civil society organisations, NGOs and others to get support for your members to attract necessary assistance required to enhance your well-being and capabilities for economic independence.”
Anyaele emphasized the commission’s collaboration with the Ministry of Health to deliver prevention and treatment services for leprosy and to fight the stigma surrounding the disease.
Mr. Emeka Ikpe, Chairman of IDEA-Nigeria and the National Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy, expressed concern about the shortage of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) in Abia and across Nigeria, stating that new cases of leprosy were being reported, particularly in Uzuakoli.
He stated that the group was creating awareness for the stakeholders and the government to help make the drugs and treatment accessible.
“This is because we’re having new cases of people with leprosy and If you go to Uzuakoli, you’ll see the new cases,” he said.
Dr. Ngozi Ekeke, of Red Aid Nigeria, further raised alarms, revealing that thousands of newly diagnosed patients have been unable to access treatment for nearly a year due to the failure of Nigeria to secure necessary medicines from the World Health Organization (WHO).
“Leprosy treatment is given free of charge in Nigeria and all over the world.
“The arrangement is this, Novartis produces the medicines and brings it as donation to the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva.
“WHO distributes to countries according to their needs and requests made.
“Nigeria either failed to request or failed to take delivery because they don’t care for leprosy patients,” Ekeke said.
In response, Anyaele assured the public that efforts would be intensified to collaborate with NGOs, civil society organizations, and stakeholders to reduce stigma and ensure that leprosy patients receive the necessary care and support to live independently.