From: Emmanuel Uzor, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government has confirmed that it recorded and
registered 543 Leprosy cases between 2015 and 2016 across the state.
Addressing journalists, on Tuesday, as part of activities marking 2017
World Leprosy Day in Abakaliki, the Commissioner for health, Dr.
Daniel Umezuruike disclosed that the ministry in line with Governor
David Umahi’s health policy had taken appropriate measures to arrest
the situation.
Dr. Umezuruike noted that 2,021 ex-leprosy patients with various
disabilities required social economic rehabilitation in the state,
adding that the state government was doing everything possible to
rehabilitate them.
He said leprosy was treatable and curable but that some of the
disabilities cannot easily be treated as it causes permanent damage to
the peripheral nerves and skin.
“We have been doing a lot to rehabilitate those with permanent
disabilities. Every year, we build at least six buildings to
rehabilitate these patients in their various homes. We look for them
and build for them.”n