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Blames NAFDAC for imminent public health crisis
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Over 3,000 diagnosed individuals, including diagnosed with leprosy, have cried out to the federal government to facilitate the urgent procurement and supply of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT), a critical drug for the treatment for leprosy.
The individuals under the umbrella of the Integration Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA-Nigeria), said that further delay in the procurement of the MDT solution could expose its members particularly over 800 children and many more unidentified ones to life-long paralysis/disabilities.
IDEA-Nigeria President, Mr. Peter Iorkighir Terver, told journalists at a press conference, in Abuja, on Monday, that supply and distribution of the MDT drugs has been delayed for over 10 months, and that had increased the anxiety and concerns level of the patients.
He explained: “For over 10 months, the supply of MDT which is a 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 which could be attributed to some bureaucratic bottlenecks and regulatory requirements poses dire consequences for those living with leprosy and for public health in Nigeria.
“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.
“A critical NAFDAC permit will expire on December 31, 2024, and the CRIA (Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis) results will also lapse by February 2025, potentially resulting in starting the lengthy supply process afresh.
“Without immediate intervention, delays in procuring the MDT solution might extend till late 2025, thus leaving patients untreated, increasing the risk of life-long disabilities, and reversing progress in leprosy elimination”
He maintained that leprosy is not just a medical condition, but also a social issue, adding that untreated cases act as reservoirs for the disease, putting communities at risk, increasing transmission, and burdening already strained healthcare system.
He solicited urgent intervention of all relevant stakeholders, including the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to compel on NAFDAC for waiver to expedite the release and delivery of MDT without further delay.
“By removing unnecessary barriers to the supply of donated medicines, Nigeria can reaffirm its commitment to the global target of leprosy elimination by 2030, and the health of its citizens by ensuring that 3,000 affected individuals, including 800 children, receive their medication by December 2024.
“The plight of leprosy patients can not be ignored. These delays are avoidable, and their consequences are preventable. We urge all stakeholders, notably, government officials, regulatory agencies, and the international community, to act swiftly and decisively.”
He promised that IDEA-Nigeria, on behalf of persons affected by leprosy, is ready to work collaboratively with all concerned parties to ensure the crisis is resolved. “We owe it to the marginalized among us to uphold their dignity, health, and humanity.”
Leprosy is one of the about 20 Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) that is yet to be eliminated even though some progress has been made towards the elimination.