IDEA Raises An Alarm that Non Supply of Therapeutic Drug May Cause Irreversible Progress in Leprosy Elimination in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Integration Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA-Nigeria), the National Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy has raised an alarm that the continued delay in supply of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT)—the life-saving treatment for leprosy in the country may increase the risk of lifelong disabilities, and reversing progress in leprosy elimination in Nigeria.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the President, Integration Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA-Nigeria),
Mr Peter Iorkighir Terver lamented that: “For over ten months, the supply of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT)—the life-saving treatment for leprosy—has been delayed, leaving over 3,000 diagnosed individuals, including 800 children, without the medication they urgently need. This delay, resulting from bureaucratic bottlenecks and regulatory requirements, poses dire consequences for those living with leprosy and for public health in Nigeria.”

Terver, while stating that the decision by NAFDAC has led to a crisis situation, said: “The supply process for MDT, under WHO Purchase Order Number: 203416835, has been obstructed due to additional requirements from NAFDAC, particularly the Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP) for Rifampicin, despite its global acceptance as a donated drug.”

He however decried that: “A critical NAFDAC permit will expire on December 31, 2024, and the CRIA (Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis) results will lapse by February 2025, potentially restarting the lengthy supply process,” adding that: “Without immediate intervention, delays will extend until late 2025, leaving patients untreated, increasing the risk of lifelong disabilities, and reversing progress in leprosy elimination.”

Terver, while stating that: “The right to health is a fundamental human right recognized under Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By denying timely treatment, we are complicit in perpetuating the marginalization, discrimination, and preventable disabilities faced by persons affected by leprosy in Nigeria,” called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and use his good office to resolve this crisis.”

He said: We ask for: “A waiver from NAFDAC to expedite the release and delivery of MDT without further delay; A Commitment to Public Health by removing unnecessary barriers to the supply of donated medicines, Nigeria can reaffirm its commitment to leprosy elimination and the health of its citizens.
“And timely access to treatment, ensuring the 3,000 affected individuals, including 800 children, receive their medication by December 2024.”

He noted that the plight of leprosy patients cannot be ignored, insisting that: “These delays are avoidable, and their consequences are preventable. We urge all stakeholders—government officials, regulatory agencies, and the international community—to act swiftly and decisively.

IDEA Raises An Alarm that Non Supply of Therapeutic Drug May Cause Irreversible Progress in Leprosy Elimination in Nigeria

Repair Collapsed Alau Dam or Maiduguri Flood Again, Zulum Begs FG 

By: Our Reporter
 
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has urged the federal government to speed up the reconstruction of the collapsed dyke at Alau Dam, which resulted in Maiduguri Metropolis and its surrounding LGAs being flooded.
 
The Alau Dam is situated in the Alau community of Konduga, a local government area in Borno State. It was constructed between 1984 and 1986 to provide water for irrigation and domestic use in Maiduguri.

 
Zulum made the appeal on Monday after receiving the report of the assessment committee that investigated the root cause of the dam’s collapse.
 
Zulum decried that with about four months to another rainfall, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources needs to speed up efforts to reconstruct the dam.
 
He said, “By next week, we shall be in January, and rainfall will set in some parts of Borno State by March. We have limited time! The earlier we begin something, the better for us. The federal government assessment team was in Maiduguri, and they had a consultation with the committee we inaugurated.”
 
“On our part as state government, we shall push this matter to the latter; I am of the view that in a few days, if there is no action on the ground, I will go and see Mr. President and beg him to allow the Northeast Development Commission to take over and start the reconstruction immediately. If we decide to wait for the bureaucracy, I am afraid we will run out of time.”
 
“If we can start on time, I am sure with the serious commitment we can rebuild the substantial part of the dyke, which has collapsed.”
 
The governor noted that the committee inaugurated by the state government had taken temporary measures to stop the water from spilling from the dam.
 
Zulum also assured that despite limited resources, his administration would partner with the federal government to ensure that such a devastating flood would not occur again in Borno.
 
He said, “As a responsible government, we will not fold our arms and wait for the federal government until another disaster occurs, despite the flooding having seriously affected our financial capacity.”

Repair Collapsed Alau Dam or Maiduguri Flood Again, Zulum Begs FG 

FG Declares Holidays for Christmas, New Year Celebrations

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday 25th, Thursday 26th December 2024, and Wednesday 1st January, 2025 as Public Holidays to celebrate Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year respectively.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government extended warm greetings to all Nigerians, urging them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season signifies.

Tunji-Ojo emphasised the importance of the season as a time to foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities.

The Minister also called on Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity and progress of the nation for national development.

The Minister, in a press release on Monday signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, said: “The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences.”

He assured citizens of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.

The Minister while wishing Nigerians a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025, expressed his confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s Administration ushering in the new year, a better and prosperous economy that will be the envy of the world.

FG Declares Holidays for Christmas, New Year Celebrations