The World Health Organization has resolved testing delays and will send leprosy drugs to Nigeria after a year-long shortage. The situation has left many patients without treatment, risking irreversible disabilities. A shipment is confirmed for 9 March, following bureaucratic delays and additional testing regulations that hampered drug access.
The World Health Organization (WHO) will dispatch leprosy medications to Nigeria this weekend, following a year-long delay attributed to testing issues. This situation severely hindered access to treatment for many leprosy patients, including children, who require these drugs to avoid irreversible disabilities such as blindness and paralysis. Nigeria, with an annual reporting of over 1,000 leprosy cases, struggled with stock shortages of the necessary multi-drug therapy after running out in early 2024 due to bureaucratic delays.
The challenges emerged as new domestic regulations regarding the testing of imported drugs held up supplies in India. However, a spokesperson from WHO confirmed that a one-time waiver on the testing policy was granted in January. A shipment from India is scheduled to arrive in Nigeria on 9 March, providing much-needed relief to those suffering from the disease.
At ERCC Hospital in Nasarawa state, there has been a stark decline in patient admissions due to the drug shortage, posing risks of further disease transmission. One patient, Awwal Musa, reported significant deterioration in her health during the treatment hiatus, expressing her anguish about her worsening condition. Hospital staff emphasized the importance of immediate treatment to prevent permanent disabilities.
WHO categorizes Nigeria as one of 12 nations with high leprosy case reports, requiring annual medication requests. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s request was delayed, and additional testing mandated by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control further complicated the shipment arrivals. Novartis, the pharmaceutical company behind the medications, stated its commitment to eradicating leprosy but provided no additional details on the issue.
Concerns regarding the distribution system have been raised by Beatriz Miranda-Galarza, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on leprosy elimination, indicating that while systems appear organized, they are hindered by structural challenges. Non-profit leaders, including Sunday Udoh from Leprosy Mission Nigeria, highlighted the harsh reality facing impoverished patients who are unable to access life-saving treatments due to these systemic issues.
The WHO’s upcoming shipment of leprosy drugs to Nigeria marks a pivotal step in addressing the treatment shortages that have afflicted thousands of patients. However, the situation reveals significant systemic failures that prevented timely access to necessary care. Increased vigilance is required to ensure the well-being of vulnerable populations facing stigma and debilitating conditions from untreated leprosy.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
