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Nigeria

Leprosy colonies were established in Nigeria in the late 1920s when Christian missionaries provided care. By the 1940s and 50s, Nigeria was ahead of many countries in its leprosy control activities and was involved in pioneering the use of Dapsone as a new drug for leprosy care.

Today, TLM works alongside the Nigerian Ministry of Health and other NGOs providing high quality leprosy control and holistic care for people affected by leprosy.

TLM’s work in Nigeria spans Akwa Ibom, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Kebbi, Zamfara and Sokoto States and Federal Capital Territory Abuja. The TLM Nigeria coordinating and fundraising country office is based in Minna, Niger State.

Activity Type
			Hospital
			Leprosy Control
			Prevention of Disabilities
			Training
			Health Education
			Reconstructive Surgery
			Community Based Rehab

		Leprosy control work These projects aim to decrease the incidence of leprosy through early case detection and ensuring that Multidrug Therapy and hospital services are widely available. A vital element of this work includes Prevention of Disability and rehabilitation of people affected by leprosy. Orthopaedic Project Based at the Changanga hospital, the workshop makes protective footwear and other orthopaedic appliances which improve the quality of life of people affected by leprosy. 16,000 leprosy patients throughout Nigeria benefited from protective sandals last year. Training General health workers are trained to detect and provide leprosy care. Socio-Economic Rehabilitation (SER) Through SER programmes, people affected by leprosy are empowered and enabled to become economically independent. Vocational training, micro-credit schemes, scholarships and community development plans such as water pumps, literacy classes and income generating projects all encourage economic independence and confidence. In Oyi, women have set up a weaving cooperative after being trained in making and marketing local crafts and souvenirs. Education Community awareness of leprosy is vital in spreading the message that leprosy is curable through World Leprosy Day celebrations, drama and TV and radio messages in English and local languages. Hospitals Amanawa Leprosy Referral Hospital TLM assists with financial and professional support in the provision of services to people affected by leprosy. The hospital serves three states – Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara. Ekpene Obom Qua Iboe Church Leprosy Hospital was established in 1932 by Mission Africa as a leprosy settlement. It has gradually evolved to become a general hospital. Through providing healthcare for leprosy affected people and the local population, stigma is reduced for people affected by leprosy. Chanchanga Hospital This hospital accepts leprosy referrals from all over Nigeria. Patient self-help groups are encouraged to meet in their communities to support each other in their self-care routines.