In a temporary settlement where joy has long faded, forgotten souls endure, abandoned by society and left to grapple with a relentless disease and the cruelty of isolation. Among them are individuals whose names may have faded into obscurity, yet their stories remain etched in the scars on their hands and legs, silent witnesses to their struggles,Daily Trust reports.
One of these stories belongs to 33-year-old David Felix, a native of Ebonyi State, who has spent the last decade battling leprosy and the stigma that comes with it. Diagnosed with the disease and abandoned by his family, Felix has been residing at the Leprosy Hospital in Chanchaga, Minna, Niger State, since April 2014. His journey reflects both the resilience of the human spirit and the heart-wrenching neglect faced by those afflicted by this disease.
Leprosy, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Affecting the skin and peripheral nerves, it can lead to permanent disabilities if untreated. While modern medicine offers a cure through a multi-drug regimen, stigma, ignorance, and fear continue to isolate those affected, including their own families.
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Felix’s ordeal underscores the deep-seated misconceptions surrounding leprosy. He recounted how he sought treatment from native doctors in Ondo State, where he worked as a businessman, and his home state of Ebonyi, only to be introduced to the Minna hospital by a Good Samaritan. His treatment and survival have been sustained by the unwavering support of The Leprosy Mission Nigeria and the medical team at Chanchaga Leprosarium.
Reflecting on his journey, Felix shared the exploitation he suffered at the hands of an acquaintance who initially promised to help but instead used his condition to beg for money. “He took me to Lagos under the pretense of seeking prayers for healing, only to exploit my ailment for financial gain,” Felix said. His situation improved only when he discovered the Minna hospital, where he was welcomed and assured of proper care.
Since arriving in Minna, Felix has not received a single visit or call from his family. He dreams of a better future, including marriage, but his isolation remains a constant reminder of the social stigma surrounding leprosy. “The Leprosy Mission Nigeria is bearing the financial cost of my treatment. I haven’t married, and none of my relatives have come to see me in the past ten years,” he lamented.
Felix’s story is not unique. Mallam Bello Umar, leader of the leprosy community in Chanchaga, highlighted the widespread discrimination faced by people with leprosy. Having undergone treatment himself since 1990, Umar revealed that many patients cannot return to their ancestral homes due to stigma. “We face harassment, lack of fundamental rights, and discrimination. Even in Niger State, where other disability groups have been given residences, we have been ignored,” Umar said.
Despite these challenges, the community continues to support one another, forming bonds and even finding life partners within the settlement. However, the lack of government recognition and support remains a glaring issue.
Habila Daniel Diko, community relations officer for The Leprosy Mission Nigeria, emphasized the need for widespread sensitization to combat stigma. “Leprosy is treatable, but ignorance and misconceptions prevent people from seeking timely care. We’ve been providing artificial limbs and holding disability outreaches to support affected individuals,” Diko said. In 2023 alone, the organization produced over 50 artificial legs free of charge, and they continue to advocate for awareness and acceptance.
Medical officials at the Minna hospital described the situation as dire. Many patients, like Felix, are abandoned by their families, forcing hospital staff to become their caregivers. The absence of accessible drugs in open markets and the unavailability of vaccines exacerbate the challenges. According to Diko, drugs are imported from the UK through approved channels, such as the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme.
Cultural practices also hinder early diagnosis and treatment. Officials reported that Niger State records at least 10 new cases annually, particularly in areas like Mashegu, Rijau, Magama, and Rafi. They emphasized the importance of early intervention to prevent deformities and long-term disabilities.
As of now, 16 patients, including five women and 11 men, reside at the Minna hospital, each with a unique story of resilience and hope amidst adversity. Felix and his fellow patients stand as a testament to the pressing need for societal change, greater awareness, and compassionate care for those affected by leprosy.
