LTR reports gains in leprosy, TB control

The Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Initiative has reported significant progress in the fight against leprosy, tuberculosis and HIV, saying its interventions have improved access to healthcare, rehabilitation and social inclusion for vulnerable populations across the country.

The organisation disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing in Abuja, where it highlighted achievements recorded in disease control, disability inclusion, stigma reduction and community health systems strengthening.

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According to the Communication and Media Officer of LTR Nigeria, Saleh Farouq Gagarawa, the organisation identified and enrolled 2,092 new leprosy patients on treatment between 2021 and 2024 under the Ready4PEP Project, exceeding its target by 149 per cent.

He said 31,620 contacts were screened for leprosy during the period, while 29,070 eligible contacts received Single Dose Rifampicin Post-Exposure Prophylaxis to reduce transmission within communities.

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Gagarawa added that the organisation trained 1,456 health workers in leprosy diagnosis, management and prevention, while another 2,203 health workers received training on the use of SkinApp technology for the detection of leprosy and other skin-related neglected tropical diseases.

He noted that LTR also strengthened rehabilitation efforts through the establishment and revitalisation of 56 self-care groups supporting about 593 persons affected by leprosy.

On tuberculosis control, Gagarawa said the organisation reached approximately 1.69 million people through community-based interventions between 2024 and the first quarter of 2026, while more than 1.58 million individuals were screened through outreach activities and house-to-house case searches.

He further disclosed that over 50,000 persons diagnosed with tuberculosis were placed on treatment during the period, while about 450 drug-resistant tuberculosis patients received transportation and treatment support.

The spokesperson said the organisation also implemented integrated TB/HIV interventions, identifying and linking about 432 HIV-positive individuals to care and treatment services, as well as supporting approximately 500 HIV-positive pregnant women through referral and linkage programmes.

Despite the achievements, Gagarawa said challenges such as stigma, discrimination, poverty, inadequate rehabilitation services, workforce shortages and security concerns continue to affect healthcare delivery in many communities.

He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening community health systems, advancing disability inclusion and supporting evidence-based policies aimed at improving the lives of persons affected by leprosy, tuberculosis, HIV and disability.

“Our vision is a Nigeria where no person is denied dignity because of disease, where disability does not result in exclusion and where healthcare services are accessible to all,” he said.

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