The Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Initiative (LTR Nigeria), with support from Netherlands Leprosy Relief (NLR) and the Virtutis Opus Foundation, has reaffirmed its commitment to ending discrimination against persons affected by leprosy by promoting their social and economic inclusion through skills development, storytelling and creative arts.
The organisation made the commitment during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Green Valley Suites in Jos, under the theme, “Empowerment of Persons Affected by Leprosy through Art and Craft in Nigeria.”
The event marked the conclusion of the Breaking Stigma Through Building Stories Project, an initiative designed to challenge misconceptions about leprosy while amplifying the voices, talents and aspirations of persons affected by the disease.
Representing LTR Nigeria’s Executive Director, Dr. Tahir Dahir, the organisation’s Administrative Officer, Naomi Iye Idakwo, said the project had shown that true empowerment goes beyond medical treatment.
According to her, restoring dignity requires creating opportunities for economic participation, social inclusion and self-expression.
She noted that beneficiaries had acquired practical vocational skills and gained platforms to showcase their talents, helping communities recognise that persons affected by leprosy remain productive citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
The event attracted government officials, healthcare professionals, development partners, traditional leaders and media practitioners.
Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, commended LTR Nigeria and its partners for adopting a holistic approach that combines healthcare, rehabilitation and socioeconomic empowerment.
He stressed the importance of sustaining the initiative beyond its current phase through stronger partnerships, while reaffirming the state government’s commitment to programmes that improve the welfare of vulnerable populations and reduce stigma.
Also speaking, the Medical Superintendent of COCIN Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre, Dr. Marypatience Okereafor, described the project as a pathway to healing, dignity and sustainable livelihoods.
She urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunities provided while encouraging communities to continue supporting persons affected by leprosy.
The Plateau State Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme Manager, Dr. Maxwell Jublick, alongside representatives of development partners and traditional institutions, also attended the engagement.
One of the emotional highlights of the event came from beneficiary Yusuf Lisam, who expressed gratitude to LTR Nigeria and its partners for transforming lives through the initiative.
According to him, the project has significantly reduced stigma and restored confidence among persons affected by leprosy.
He said members of the public now freely purchase bags, shoes and other handmade products produced by beneficiaries without discrimination, describing the development as evidence that public attitudes are gradually changing.
Lisam also highlighted the role of mobile phones and videography in documenting and sharing beneficiaries’ stories, saying the approach has become an effective tool for challenging stigma and encouraging early health-seeking behaviour.
“People now see that we are living dignified lives. They see that we can work, create and contribute to society. This project has changed our lives,” he said.
As part of the event, LTR Nigeria presented Awards of Excellence to beneficiaries Yusuf Lisam and Luwisa Amos Muduutdan for their outstanding commitment throughout the project.
Awards of Recognition were also presented to the Project Coordinator, Dr. Ibrahim Mikail, and Dr. Marypatience Okereafor for their contributions to the successful implementation of the initiative.
LTR Nigeria reiterated that eliminating stigma requires collective action, stronger partnerships and sustained investment in the social and economic empowerment of persons affected by leprosy.
Implemented with support from Netherlands Leprosy Relief and Virtutis Opus Foundation, the Breaking Stigma Through Building Stories Project uses storytelling, art, craft and community engagement to promote dignity, opportunity and inclusion, reinforcing the message that no one should be defined or discriminated against because of a health condition.
