Says Community Health, Rehabilitation and Inclusion Remain Key to Nigeria’s Future
The Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Initiative (LTR Nigeria) has highlighted major achievements recorded through its interventions in leprosy, tuberculosis, HIV response, rehabilitation, disability inclusion, stigma reduction and community health systems strengthening across Nigeria.
Speaking during a press briefing, the organization said its interventions between 2021 and the first quarter of 2026 have significantly improved access to healthcare services for vulnerable and underserved populations while advancing social inclusion and rehabilitation efforts nationwide.
LTR Nigeria stated that its programmes, implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, State Ministries of Health, development partners, healthcare workers and community structures, have gone beyond disease control to address broader social and economic factors influencing health outcomes.
According to the organization, poverty, stigma, disability, exclusion and weak community systems continue to affect access to timely diagnosis, treatment and healthcare support in many communities across the country.
Over 2,000 Leprosy Patients Identified
Providing updates on leprosy control interventions under the Ready4PEP Project, LTR disclosed that between 2021 and 2024, a total of 2,092 new leprosy patients were identified and enrolled on Multidrug Therapy, exceeding the original project target by 149 percent.
The organization also revealed that 31,620 contacts were screened for leprosy, while 29,070 eligible contacts received Single Dose Rifampicin Post-Exposure Prophylaxis aimed at reducing transmission within communities.
To strengthen health systems and improve early diagnosis, LTR said it trained 1,456 healthcare workers on leprosy diagnosis, management and prevention, while an additional 2,203 health workers were trained on the use of SkinApp technology for identifying leprosy and other skin-related neglected tropical diseases.
In the area of disability prevention and rehabilitation, the organization established and revitalized 56 self-care groups supporting about 593 persons affected by leprosy through wound care, psychosocial support, disability prevention and social reintegration programmes.
Stigma Reduction and Social Inclusion
LTR also emphasized its efforts toward stigma reduction and inclusion through the “Breaking Stigma, Building Story Project” implemented in Plateau State.
The project empowered persons affected by leprosy to share their experiences through photography, storytelling, documentary production and livelihood initiatives.
According to the organization, the initiative produced over 185 photographs and five documentary films, while a public exhibition attracted government officials, development partners, media organizations and community leaders.
The project further secured a Five Million Naira pledge from the Plateau State Government to support livelihood opportunities for participating beneficiaries.
Tuberculosis Interventions Reach Millions
On tuberculosis control, LTR said it implemented integrated community and facility-based interventions across Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Plateau and Yobe States under the Global Fund GC7 Grant.
Between 2024 and the first quarter of 2026, the organization said approximately 1.69 million people were reached through community-based interventions, while over 1.58 million individuals were screened for tuberculosis through outreach programmes and house-to-house case search initiatives.
Additionally, more than 2.28 million people were screened through Public-Private Mix facilities and community networks.
LTR disclosed that over 50,000 tuberculosis patients were successfully initiated on treatment during the implementation period.
The organization also supported about 450 Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis patients through transportation support, adherence monitoring and treatment follow-up services.
HIV and Maternal Health Support
Recognizing the close relationship between tuberculosis and HIV, LTR said it adopted an integrated healthcare approach under the Global Fund GC7 Programme.
Through community-based screening and referral systems, approximately 432 HIV-positive individuals were identified and linked to treatment and care services.
The organization further disclosed that about 500 HIV-positive pregnant women were identified and supported through referral systems aimed at improving maternal healthcare and preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Challenges Remain
Despite the progress recorded, LTR noted that major challenges persist, including stigma, delayed diagnosis, poverty, unemployment, inadequate rehabilitation services, transportation difficulties and social exclusion affecting persons living with disease and disability.
The organization also identified workforce shortages, insecurity in some communities, difficult terrain, stock-outs of essential commodities and inadequate funding as key operational challenges affecting healthcare delivery.
Commitment to Inclusive Healthcare
Looking ahead, LTR reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community health systems, advancing disability inclusion, improving rehabilitation services and supporting evidence-driven policy reforms.
The organization said it is exploring innovative strategies to strengthen data systems, improve vulnerability mapping and enhance targeted interventions for persons affected by leprosy, tuberculosis, HIV and disability.
LTR reiterated its vision of building a Nigeria where no individual is denied dignity because of disease, disability or social status.
“A Nigeria where healthcare services are accessible to all, where evidence drives policy and inclusion drives development, and where every individual has the opportunity to live a healthy, productive and dignified life,” the organization stated.
LTR expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, State Governments, development partners, healthcare workers, community volunteers, traditional and religious leaders, Netherlands Leprosy Relief (NLR), civil society organizations, media practitioners and affected communities for their continued support and collaboration.
The organization pledged continued partnership with all stakeholders toward achieving a healthier, more inclusive and equitable Nigeria.