NASARAWA, Nigeria, March 7 – The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that leprosy drugs will arrive in Nigeria this weekend after a year-long delay, following a resolution of testing hold-ups that left thousands of patients, including children, without necessary treatment.
Nigeria reports over 1,000 new cases of leprosy annually. The disease, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, primarily affects the skin, nerves, and eyes. While curable with multi-drug therapy (MDT), untreated leprosy leads to permanent disabilities like blindness and paralysis. Without access to treatment, patients also suffer from significant stigma.
The delay in receiving leprosy medication stemmed from bureaucratic issues and new domestic testing requirements imposed by Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. This resulted in a hold-up of the drugs in India, where one of the components is produced.
A WHO spokesperson stated that the shipment of leprosy drugs is confirmed to depart India on March 8, arriving in Nigeria by March 9. The delay began when Nigeria’s request for MDT was made late. Health sources also indicated that Nigeria’s regulatory bodies had required additional testing for the shipment from Sandoz, a division of Novartis, before approval could be granted.
At ERCC Hospital in Nasarawa state, patients like Awwal Musa have experienced deteriorating health conditions due to the lack of medication. Musa described her health as worsening in the past year, with her fingers becoming clawed and her legs discharging pus. Health workers at the hospital expressed concerns that without the drug supply, patients are at risk of permanent disability.
The delay has resulted in a shortage of available beds at hospitals, with many patients sent home. Health workers have worked to manage the worsening conditions, but the lack of MDT has complicated their efforts.
Nigeria, one of 12 countries reporting 1,000 to 10,000 cases annually, has been relying on the WHO for its yearly supply of MDT. The WHO coordinates these shipments as part of a global effort to combat leprosy.
