The Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Initiative Nigeria (LTR) has warned that stigma and neglect continue to undermine efforts to eliminate leprosy in Nigeria, despite the disease being curable and treatment freely available.
The organisation raised the concern on Tuesday to mark World Leprosy Day 2026, noting that fear, misinformation and discrimination still force many people affected by leprosy to hide their condition and delay seeking care.
LTR said Nigeria remains among countries reporting leprosy cases annually, yet funding for leprosy control, rehabilitation and social reintegration remains critically low, weakening early case detection, contact tracing, disability prevention and community education.
According to the organisation, leprosy no longer destroys lives on its own, but stigma continues to isolate individuals from their families, deprive them of livelihoods and strip them of dignity long after they have been cured.
It added that beyond medical treatment, many persons affected by leprosy live with permanent disabilities, limited access to social protection, inadequate housing and persistent discrimination.
LTR also expressed concern over the condition of leprosy colonies across the country, describing many as dilapidated, overcrowded and lacking basic amenities, a situation it said reinforces stigma rather than promotes rehabilitation and reintegration.
The organisation said a health response that ends with treatment but ignores welfare, rehabilitation and social inclusion leaves people healed but abandoned.
Building on decades of experience inherited from the Netherlands Leprosy Relief legacy, LTR said it continues to support leprosy and tuberculosis control in several states through early detection, post-exposure prophylaxis, training of health workers and community volunteers, disability prevention and stigma reduction.
It called on government to increase domestic funding for leprosy control and welfare services, urged donors and development partners to sustain investment, and appealed to the media, communities and faith leaders to challenge harmful narratives and promote inclusion.
LTR said ending leprosy is no longer only a medical task but a social and moral responsibility, adding that World Leprosy Day 2026 should mark renewed commitment to tackling stigma and restoring dignity to persons affected by the disease.