The Kwara State Government has called for a united front among stakeholders to eliminate leprosy and dismantle the persistent social stigma surrounding the disease. This appeal was made as the state joined the global community to commemorate World Leprosy Day 2026.

Speaking on Monday at a sensitisation event held at the Nigerian Correctional Service, Oke-Kura, Ilorin, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Taoheed Abdullahi, reaffirmed the administration's commitment to achieving "Leprosy Zero by 2030."

Abdullahi explained that the state is working assiduously to promote early detection, which is the most effective way to prevent permanent disability. This year's theme, "Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma," highlights the primary barrier to treatment. "Leprosy thrives in silence, hidden by fear and discrimination," the Permanent Secretary noted, adding that Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) is provided free of charge at government facilities.

As part of the 2026 intervention, the Ministry has already:

• Trained over 500 primary healthcare workers across the 16 Local Government Areas on early diagnosis.
• Integrated leprosy services into routine community health outreaches.
• Distributed educational materials in local languages to dispel myths that the disease is a curse or highly contagious.

Also speaking at the event, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode, emphasized that the government's health reforms under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq ensure that no group including inmates and residents of hard-to-reach communities is left behind. Further awareness campaigns and active case searches are scheduled to continue this week in Kaiama and the Borstal Training Institution in Ganmo.

He explained that leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, remains a public health concern despite being completely curable with multi-drug therapy provided free of charge.

According to him, over 200,000 new leprosy cases are reported globally each year, with Africa accounting for a significant proportion.

"These figures remind us that leprosy thrives in silence hidden by fear, misinformation, and stigma which deprive individuals, families, and communities of dignity and productivity," he said.

The Permanent Secretary further highlighted ongoing interventions by the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Leprosy and TB Control Programme, including intensified active case-finding across all 16 Local Government Areas of the state.

He disclosed that over 500 primary healthcare workers have been trained on early detection, while Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials have been distributed in local languages. Leprosy services, he added, have also been integrated into routine health outreaches across the state.

According to him, these interventions have contributed significantly to the reduction in disability rates among newly detected cases.

Abdullahi attributed the achievements to the sustained support of the Kwara State Government under the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, commending the governor for his commitment to Universal Health Coverage and the elimination of leprosy and other neglected tropical diseases.

Earlier, Omole Olumuyiwa, the Officer-in-Charge of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Oke-Kura, Ilorin, Assistant Comptroller of Corrections (ACC), represented by Ariyibi Surajudeen, Chief Superintendent of Corrections (CSC), appreciated the State Government for extending free medical screening, treatment, and sensitisation to inmates.