Religious leaders in the country have called
upon to come to the aid of
those affected by leprosy in the society so as to enable them live a meaningful
life.
Speaking at a one day symposium in Abuja,
Principal Investigator, Leprosy Research Project, Prof. Danny MaCain, lamented the high level of
discrimination faced by people affected by the disease.
Prof. MaCain stressed that the Church has a
crucial role to play in reducing
the stigma.
According to him, “Christianity is often
associated with leprosy as caused by sin; therefore, the Church has a crucial
role to play in reducing stigma.
Despite increased knowledge about details of
leprosy, persons affected by leprosy are often still excluded from community
life.’’
Speaking further, Prof. MaCain said that the Nigerian Leprosy Research
Department of Religion and Philosophy, University of Jos carried out a study
and concluded that to address leprosy related stigma, it is crucial to explore
the positive role that the Church could have in increasing acceptance and
inclusion of persons affected by leprosy.
Meanwhile, President of the Christian Association
of Nigeria (CAN), Dr Olasupo Ayokunle affirmed that the Church
is always willing to help those
that are segregated in the society according to Christ injunction.
The President who was represented at the symposium
by the Assistant General Secretary of CAN, Bar. Daramola Joseph said the Church
will help disseminate information that leprosy is not an incurable disease
and that Christians should not
discriminate against people affected by leprosy other diseases.
Also speaking at the event that came under the
theme, “Role of Christian Religious Leaders in Leprosy and Disability Related
Stigma in the Northern Nigeria,” the State Chairman of People Affected by
Leprosy, Benue State, Peter Iorkighir, shared his experience.
He recalled how he was dumped and
abandoned by his parents at a leprosy colony
when he became affected by
the disease at the age of 12.
According to him, he was traumatised, but that he
said did not deter him from improving himself academically.
In his words: “I decided not beg rather, improved
myself because there is ability in disability. I was the first to have O ‘Levels certificate in my
family. Today, I am the one responsible for the upkeep of my younger ones. When
they run into financial challenges, they come to me for assistance. The
rejected stone has become the chief corner stone,” he added.
Similarly, Chief James Adu, Balee of a leprosy
colony in Surulere, Isanlu, Kogi state said they are about 500 lepers are living happily in his community.
He however regretted that, discrimination against
people living with leprosy is much and advocated that anyone that has been
cured of leprosy in the hospital be certificated.
Continuing he said:
“when people see leprosy scarce on you, they are skeptical in relating
with you, they don’t know that once, you have received treatment , you are
whole, this is our plight , we are stigmatised. ”
