Theme 3: Challenges faced in leprosy settlements in Nigeria
Abysmal financing
“There’s no money to start a business and because of the disease, activities to engage in have been limited. A respondent answered that she’s been living with leprosy for about 30 years. Another respondent answered that ”there’s no money to take care of herself and her family and she’s been with leprosy for over 35 years” - PLWL Niger State
“We stopped getting proper funding after the Obasanjo regime” - PLWL FCT
“The major factor and cause of our lapses here is funding” - PLWL Abia state
Inadequate Water Supply
“There’s a problem with water, there’s a borehole before but it has spoilt. Another answered ”There’s not enough resources but they are content with whatever God provides for them” - PLWL Niger State
“Living here hasn’t been easy because we are not being provided with adequate shelter, food and water” - PLWL Zamfara State
Irregular Support from Government
“support and resources are not regular. Most resources are provided by people” - PLWL Abia
“Only the missionaries take care of them, their basic needs are neglected. Health information is gotten from people around. What happens when the missionaries leave, what will happen to us?… The government isn’t doing anything and therefore the education of the children is in shambles because there’s no money to pay. Also, a big challenge in the settlement is food” - PLWL Niger State.