The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) has mapped out strategies toward ending the disease by 2035, even as it inaugurated its new country office building in Abuja on Wednesday.
TLMN national director, Dr Sunday Udo, said at the inauguration ceremony that the expansion of the mission goes beyond a bigger space to an innovative space where strategies will be developed to end leprosy.
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Udo said TLMN’s new office building not only celebrates the physical manifestation of growth and progress but a significant milestone of a mission striving for zero transmission to leprosy, zero disabilities and zero discrimination.
“It is not about the building, it is not about the bricks and walls, it is about a space that is conducive for us to think, plan, innovate, we want to actually end leprosy in our lifetime.
“We want to control Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), we want to eradicate NTDs, we are not playing.
“TLM as a global entity will be 150 years old next year and we have told ourselves that 150 years, it is time to end this thing.
“As we speak, we are putting together a strategy for zero transmission of leprosy by 2035. That is our next major goal.
“We have done that as a health community for smallpox, polio has already been squashed to the ground. Leprosy is the end as far as I am concerned. By 2035 it will be thrown to the dustbin of history,’’ Udo said.
He lauded TLM England and Wales for their support to the governments of Nigeria, Australia and Sweden, and other partners.
Country leader, TLM England and Wales, Mr Peter Waddup, said that TLM England and Wales was honoured to be part of the journey to ending leprosy in Nigeria.
Waddup expressed optimism that the new office building would enhance the capacity of TLM Nigeria, as he advised on early detection and treatment.
Tor Tiv and president, Association of Christian Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Prof James Ayatse, said that the building would serve as a strategic hub that would enable TLMN to achieve its goals.
Ayatse also clarified issues about leprosy, warning against the myths surrounding the disease. He also urged everyone to be agent of ending the disease, avoid discrimination against people with the disease, and show them love.
“This building will serve as a strategic hub, enabling TLM Nigeria to expand its reach, foster greater collaboration with stakeholders at all levels, and enhance its research capabilities.
“And sustain its interventions towards transforming the lives of people and communities affected by leprosy,” he said.
The Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Leann Johnston, Swedish Deputy Head of Mission to Nigeria, Joran Bjallerstedt, congratulated TLMN on the giant stride and pledged the continuous support of their governments.