World Leprosy Day 2023 was a momentous occasion marked by The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) through a series of impactful activities aimed at raising public awareness and fostering discussions on innovative strategies to eliminate leprosy in Nigeria. As an event coordinated by organizations representing individuals affected by leprosy and leprosy-focused non-governmental organizations, such as TLMN, World Leprosy Day holds immense significance in shining a spotlight on leprosy and the challenges faced by those impacted by the disease.
Collaboration with Churches
Under the theme “Act Now: End Leprosy,” TLMN undertook various initiatives to promote a deeper understanding of leprosy and mobilize efforts to eradicate it. Advocacy activities with churches played a crucial role in engaging faith communities and garnering support for individuals affected by leprosy. In the Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T), Jeffrey Chukwu, the Media and Communications Officer for TLMN, visited the International Church in Asokoro, Abuja. This church has been actively involved in providing support to individuals affected by leprosy and spreading the message of hope to them. During the church service, Jeffrey expressed sincere gratitude to the church for their consistent support and emphasized the importance of regular interaction with those affected by leprosy to combat stigma and promote their integration into society. At the end of the service, church members generously donated food items and clothing to assist individuals affected by leprosy in the Yangoji community, Kwali.
In Niger State, TLMN staff and volunteers embarked on a visit to churches to raise awareness about their work and seek financial and material assistance. This visit also aimed to recruit new donors and volunteers for ongoing projects. Additionally, a prayer walk was organized along the main highway of the city, offering prayers for individuals impacted by leprosy, partners, and the mission itself. The following day, a Thanksgiving service was held at ECWA Goodnews Church in Minna to express gratitude to God for sustaining TLMN’s volunteers over the past two decades. Long-serving volunteers were honored with awards in recognition of their dedication.
Outreach
As part of the World Leprosy Day celebrations, TLMN facilitated an outreach program to the Alheri community in Yangoji. Led by Goodluck Udo, the State Program Officer for F.C.T, and Jeffrey Chukwu, the Media and Communications Officer, the TLMN team, accompanied by elders from the International Church, including Dr. Ashiwe and Dr. Dauda Gowon, visited the Alheri Community in Yangoji Village, Kwali Local Government Area, Abuja. The team received a warm welcome from the community members, and the Sariki of Yangoji expressed profound gratitude to the International Church for their kindness and encouraged them to continue remembering the community in their prayers. Dr. Dauda Gowon delivered a brief but impactful message, sharing the gospel using the story of the dove from Noah’s Ark as a metaphor. He emphasized that just as the dove found refuge with Noah, Christ embraces everyone who seeks Him. He concluded his address by highlighting the story of the ten individuals affected by leprosy in the Bible, underscoring the importance of gratitude and thanksgiving. As a gesture of support, relief items such as foodstuff and clothing were distributed to the community, bringing comfort and hope to those in need.
Social Media Campaign
Recognizing the power of social media in disseminating information and raising awareness, TLMN collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) and the National Tuberculosis Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Program (NTBLCP) to launch a vibrant social media campaign. Spearheaded by TLMN, the campaign centered around an interactive banner that allowed participants to personalize their messages of solidarity with individuals affected by leprosy. The banner was widely shared on various social media platforms, with individuals from all walks of life expressing their support, empathy, and commitment to ending leprosy. The campaign generated substantial engagement, enabling TLMN to reach a broader audience and foster a sense of collective responsibility.
World Leprosy Day Symposium
The pinnacle of the World Leprosy Day events organized by TLMN was a one-day symposium held in Abuja. This symposium served as a platform for stakeholders from the government, civil society organizations, academia, media, and communities to convene and deliberate on experiences, challenges, and strategies for eliminating leprosy in Nigeria. Esteemed guest speakers, including Dr. Dahiru Tahir, the Country Director Leprosy & Tuberculosis Relief Initiative Nigeria and a renowned leprosy expert, and advocate, delivered a keynote address highlighting the multi-dimensional impact of leprosy and offering valuable insights into combating the disease. Dr. Tahir’s address emphasized the urgent need for accurate data collection, effective stigma reduction measures, and robust prevention efforts to drive progress in leprosy control. Also present at the symposium was the chairperson of TLMN’s board of trustees, Mrs, Andem-Rabana Nella (SAN) who in her welcome remark, thanked all for honouring the invitation to the symposium, commending the passion, hard work, and dedication of all stakeholders in leprosy/NTDs space in the country, towards ending leprosy. She reiterated the fact that, so many misconceptions about Leprosy, still exist. Hence, the need for effective awareness creation cannot be overemphasized. She went on to state that, leprosy is not only a health problem, but also a social and economic problem that we must strengthen awareness creation and advocacy around in order to dispel misconceptions. The symposium featured panel sessions that facilitated in-depth discussions on priorities, with experts exploring innovative approaches to accelerate leprosy elimination and sharing successful case studies from other countries.
In recognition of the outstanding contributions made by individuals in the fight against leprosy, the TLMN Board of Trustees presented awards during the symposium. Chief Chika Okpala, popularly known as Chief Zebrudaya, was honored for his selfless service and unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals affected by leprosy. Chief Zebrudaya’s involvement in raising awareness and dispelling misconceptions surrounding leprosy has played a significant role in reducing stigma. Additionally, Worship for Change, an organization founded by Pastor Wale Adenuga known for its charitable initiatives, and fundraising support for indigent children, orphans, and children with special needs were acknowledged for their immense support in transforming the lives of children affected by leprosy. Their contributions have not only provided essential resources but also encouraged inclusive education and enhanced opportunities for these children.
World Leprosy Day 2023, with its diverse range of activities and engagements, brought renewed attention to leprosy and the pressing need for concerted efforts to eliminate the disease. TLMN’s initiatives during this significant day succeeded in raising awareness, promoting community integration, and fostering partnerships to combat leprosy in Nigeria. The collective actions taken on World Leprosy Day serve as a powerful reminder that together, with compassion and determination, we can strive for a world where leprosy is consigned to history