- IDEA-Nigeria urged the federal government to address delays in Multi-Drug Therapy supply, leaving over 3,000 leprosy patients without treatment
- The organization warned that untreated leprosy cases increase lifelong disability risks and burden Nigeria’s healthcare system, urging immediate government intervention
The Integration Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA-Nigeria) network, which advocates for people affected by leprosy, has called on the federal government to urgently address delays in the supply of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT), a life-saving treatment for leprosy patients in the country.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the president of IDEA-Nigeria, Peter Iorkighir Terver, disclosed that over 3,000 diagnosed individuals, including 800 children, have been left without critical medication for more than ten months.
He attributed the delay to bureaucratic bottlenecks and regulatory requirements, warning of severe consequences for patients and public health if the issue persists.
Terver highlighted that the delay in the MDT supply, coordinated under the World Health Organization (WHO) Purchase Order Number 203416835, has been compounded by additional requirements from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Specifically, the agency has requested a Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP) for Rifampicin despite its global acceptance as a donated drug.
He noted that critical regulatory permits, including a NAFDAC permit that expires on December 31, 2024, and Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) results that are valid until February 2025, are nearing expiration.
These expirations could reset the supply process without immediate action, potentially delaying treatment until late 2025.
The IDEA-Nigeria president emphasized that untreated leprosy cases not only lead to lifelong disabilities but also increase the risk of disease transmission, burdening Nigeria’s healthcare system and reversing progress in leprosy elimination efforts.
“The plight of leprosy patients cannot be ignored,” Terver stated. “These delays are avoidable, and their consequences are preventable. We urge all stakeholders—government officials, regulatory agencies, and the international community—to act swiftly and decisively.”
IDEA-Nigeria called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene urgently, leveraging his office to resolve the bureaucratic hurdles stalling the supply of MDT.
The group also urged NAFDAC to provide a waiver to expedite the release and delivery of the donated medicines.
“By removing unnecessary barriers to the supply of donated medicines, Nigeria can reaffirm its commitment to leprosy elimination and the health of its citizens,” Terver added.
Terver reiterated that leprosy is not just a medical condition but a social issue. He stressed that untreated cases act as reservoirs for the disease, increasing transmission risks and undermining public health efforts.
The organization appealed for swift action to address the crisis and safeguard the health and dignity of Nigerians affected by leprosy.