Conclusion
Overall, this study sheds light on the complexities of leprosy control in Nigeria, revealing the need for enhanced government involvement, increased funding, and improved living conditions for people affected by leprosy. The findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive education, awareness campaigns, and the promotion of human rights to counter stigmatization and improve the quality of life for those living with leprosy. Furthermore, the study underscores the evolving approach of reintegration as the best practice, advocating for individuals affected by leprosy to be integrated back into their communities for improved societal inclusion and well-being. In the face of challenges and opportunities, this study calls for a concerted effort from the government, non-governmental organizations, and society as a whole to address the multifaceted issues surrounding leprosy control in Nigeria.
Conflict of interest: “Don Eliseo Prisno” is Editor-in-Chief of the journal and co-author of this article. They were excluded from the peer-review process and all editorial decisions related to the acceptance and publication of this article.
Limitation: Despite multiple attempts, we were unable to secure participation from representatives of The National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program (NTBLCP) and The National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) within the allocated data collection period. Scheduled interviews were postponed on multiple occasions, and our attempts to conduct virtual interviews were also unsuccessful.