Essential Leprosy Medications Arriving in Nigeria After Yearlong Delay
The WHO has confirmed that essential leprosy drugs will arrive in Nigeria after a year-long shortage, which has affected thousands of patients. The delay was caused by new regulatory measures aimed at preventing counterfeit medicines. Dr. Samimu Msheliza and patients like Awwal Musa have expressed the urgent need for treatment as current measures have led to worsening health conditions and increased risk of disease transmission.
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that essential leprosy medications will be available in Nigeria for the first time in a year, beginning this weekend. The country has been facing a significant shortage, reporting over 2,000 new cases annually, as supplies were delayed due to new regulatory requirements. The WHO is advocating for a temporary suspension of these new testing policies to facilitate the arrival of the drugs from India on Sunday.
Leprosy, though curable with a combination of antibiotics, can lead to serious health issues if left untreated, including sores and nerve damage that may result in deformities. Treatment typically spans six to twelve months, yet the drug scarcity in Nigeria has forced many patients to leave hospitals without care, thereby increasing the risk of disease transmission.
Dr. Samimu Msheliza, a public health expert with the Leprosy Mission in Nigeria, stressed the critical need for medication. He noted, “We have thousands of newly diagnosed leprosy patients across various cities who are just waiting for this drug. The quicker we have [the drugs], the better, because currently these people are suffering, their transmission is ongoing because they are not being treated.”
The dire situation is exemplified by Awwal Musa from Nasarawa state, whose condition has worsened due to the lack of adequate treatment. She stated, “Before last year, my wounds were getting healed but now they are getting worse. The pain is worse.”
Nigeria’s drug regulatory authority implemented new measures to combat counterfeit and sub-standard medications, which have inadvertently affected the availability of essential treatments, including leprosy drugs. In recent years, there have been multiple recalls of medicinal products for safety violations.
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In summary, the WHO’s announcement of the arrival of much-needed leprosy medications in Nigeria, after a year’s delay, is crucial for treating thousands of patients. The ongoing drug shortage has exacerbated health risks, highlighting the importance of balancing regulatory measures against ensuring the availability of necessary treatments. Immediate access to effective medication is essential to prevent further transmission of the disease and alleviate patient suffering.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
