The Kano state government says it has renovated the old leprosarium hospital in Yadakunya as part of efforts to support the people battling with the disease.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf stated this at the Yadakunya Leprosy Hospital, Wednesday, as part of activities commemorating the day.
He said discrimination against persons afflicted by leprosy and their families remained a major challenge and called on Kano residents to erase the belief that the disease is contagious and hereditary.
Dr. Labaran said the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf placed serious emphasis on people battling with leprosy, which was what informed the renovation of the hospital in Yadakunya.
“From our inception to date, the Yadakunya Leprosy Hospital has been renovated and treated 333 patients, and we provide solar boreholes, solar electricity, and a hospital ambulance to help convey patients.
“Apart from the government, everyone has a role to play by helping to achieve zero transmission of the disease in the future. And we are also doing our best to stop the growing nature of stigmatisation faced by patients, which is part of the essence of the commemoration.
“As you know, leprosy patients deserve love, care, and other privileges like other creations of God.I caution the public against stigmatization of this category of individuals as well as all other people living with disabilities,” Dr. Yusuf reiterated.
The health commissioner appreciated the role of development partners in the efforts to help the course.
Speaking earlier, the leader of the people battling with the disease, Malam Isyaku Muhammad, lauded the state government’s interventions in the hospital which helped positively in managing their situation.
The theme for 2024 World Leprosy Day was ‘Beat Leprosy’ to beat the stigma related to the infection.
