The WHO announced that vital leprosy drugs will arrive in Nigeria after a year-long shortage due to regulatory delays. Treatment is crucial for over 2,000 yearly cases, as untreated leprosy can cause severe health issues. Public health experts emphasize the urgent need for these medications to prevent the disease’s spread.
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Nigeria will finally receive essential leprosy medications after a year-long delay. The country, which reports over 2,000 new cases annually, experienced a shortage due to new regulations that resulted in supply disruptions. WHO has requested Nigeria to temporarily suspend its new testing policies, expecting drugs from India to arrive by Sunday.
Leprosy is treatable with a combination of antibiotics, yet if not addressed, the disease can lead to severe health issues, including sores and nerve damage, resulting in deformities. Treatment typically spans six to twelve months. Due to the drug scarcity, patients have been discharged from hospitals, heightening the risk of disease transmission.
Dr. Samimu Msheliza, a public health expert and medical advisor with the Leprosy Mission in Nigeria, stressed the urgent need for the medication. “We have thousands of newly diagnosed leprosy patients across various cities who are just waiting for this drug… currently these people are suffering, their transmission is ongoing because they are not being treated,” stated Dr. Msheliza.
Patients, such as Awwal Musa from a hospital in Nasarawa state, reported worsening conditions due to unavailability of necessary drugs. “Before last year, my wounds were getting healed but now they are getting worse. The pain is worse,” Ms. Musa expressed, adding that the nerve damage could be irreparable.
The Nigerian drug authority instituted new regulations to combat the importation of counterfeit medications, which have previously led to recalls of numerous medicines for failing to meet safety standards. Unfortunately, these measures have adversely affected the availability of critical treatments, including those for leprosy.
With the arrival of essential leprosy medications after a year-long delay, Nigeria’s patients can look forward to receiving crucial treatment. The WHO’s intervention underscores the urgent need for medical supplies to address the growing number of infections. However, the new regulations instituted by Nigeria’s drug authority must strike a balance between ensuring safety and maintaining the availability of life-saving treatments.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
