The Acting Medical Director of Leprosy Colony at the ERCC Medical Centre, Alushi Village in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area Mr. Dauda Kaze said Nasarawa State government has recorded no fewer than 170 cases of leprosy disease.
Kaze stated this on Sunday as the state marked this year’s World Leprosy Day, added that patients could not be treated due to the non-availability of the needed drugs.
“Between 2019 and last year, the hospital, which is the only referral centre, recorded about 130 cases, while over 40 new cases were recorded between January 1 and 15 this year, and there is no drugs to treat patients.
He said the hospital had been recording new cases of leprosy daily but they could not admit them because they could not access care and treatment following non-supply of drugs by international partners and donors”, he said.
Nasarawa State Coordinator, Leprosy, Tuberculosis, and Chronic Ulcers, Dr. Danladi Aboki noted that leprosy could affect both the young and old and can be treated and cured if detected early.
Director, Public Health, Nasarawa State, Dr. Ibrahim Alhasan reiterated the government’s commitment towards providing care and treatment for leprosy patients.
