IDEA: Issues Warning that Lack of Availability of Therapeutic Drug Could Hinder Leprosy Elimination Efforts in Nigeria

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Integration Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA-Nigeria), the National Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy has raised an alarm that the continued delay in supply of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT)—the life-saving treatment for leprosy in the country may increase the risk of lifelong disabilities, and reversing progress in leprosy elimination in Nigeria.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the President, Integration Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA-Nigeria),
 Mr Peter Iorkighir Terver lamented that: “For over ten months, the supply of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT)—the life-saving treatment for leprosy—has been delayed, leaving over 3,000 diagnosed individuals, including 800 children, without the medication they urgently need. This delay, resulting from bureaucratic bottlenecks and regulatory requirements, poses dire consequences for those living with leprosy and for public health in Nigeria.”

Terver, while stating that the decision by NAFDAC has led to a crisis situation, said: “The supply process for MDT, under WHO Purchase Order Number: 203416835, has been obstructed due to additional requirements from NAFDAC, particularly the Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP) for Rifampicin, despite its global acceptance as a donated drug.”
 
He however decried that: “A critical NAFDAC permit will expire on December 31, 2024, and the CRIA (Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis) results will lapse by February 2025, potentially restarting the lengthy supply process,” adding that: “Without immediate intervention, delays will extend until late 2025, leaving patients untreated, increasing the risk of lifelong disabilities, and reversing progress in leprosy elimination.”
 
Terver, while stating that: “The right to health is a fundamental human right recognized under Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By denying timely treatment, we are complicit in perpetuating the marginalization, discrimination, and preventable disabilities faced by persons affected by leprosy in Nigeria,” called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and use his good office to resolve this crisis.”

He said: We ask for: “A waiver from NAFDAC to expedite the release and delivery of MDT without further delay; A Commitment to Public Health by removing unnecessary barriers to the supply of donated medicines, Nigeria can reaffirm its commitment to leprosy elimination and the health of its citizens.
“And timely access to treatment, ensuring the 3,000 affected individuals, including 800 children, receive their medication by December 2024.”
 
He noted that the plight of leprosy patients cannot be ignored, insisting that: “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.