By Adeola Akinbobola
Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Initiative (LTR Nigeria), a Civil Society Organisation has revealed plans to deepen investments in data systems to support evidence-based policy reforms.
LTR Nigeria’s Communication and Media Officer, Mr Saleh Gagarawa, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.
Gagarawa added that the initiative would also invest in vulnerability mapping, disability inclusion and community health strengthening.
He said that the organisation had recorded significant progress in its health and social development investments.
He highlighted LTR’s growing role in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem, through strategic partnerships, innovation and community-driven service delivery.
The communication and media officer added that the organisation’s interventions had evolved beyond disease control to addressing broader socio-economic factors that influence health outcomes, including poverty, stigma, disability and limited access to healthcare services.
Gagarawa said one of LTR’s major achievements was recorded under the Ready4PEP project, which exceeded its target by 149 per cent between 2021 and 2024.
“During the period, 2,092 new leprosy patients were identified and placed on treatment, while more than 31,600 contacts were screened.
“Also, more than 29,000 eligible individuals received preventive medication, aimed at reducing disease transmission.
“The LTR equally invested heavily in workforce development, training 1,456 healthcare workers in leprosy management.
He added that additional 2,203 personnel were trained on the use of SkinApp technology for the identification of leprosy and other skin-related neglected tropical diseases.
He said that LTR further strengthened rehabilitation and disability management, through the establishment and revitalisation of 56 self-care groups, supporting nearly 600 persons affected by leprosy.
“In tuberculosis control, LTR reported reaching approximately 1.69 million people through community-based interventions under the Global Fund GC7 Grant.
“Between 2024 and the first quarter of 2026, more than 1.58 million individuals were screened through outreach programmes, while over 2.28 million people were screened through public-private healthcare networks.
“The programme resulted in the successful initiation of treatment for more than 50,000 tuberculosis patients, significantly contributing to national TB control efforts.
”LTR also provided support services to approximately 450 patients battling drug-resistant tuberculosis, helping improve treatment adherence and outcomes,” he said.
Gagarawa added that the organisation’s integrated healthcare model also recorded progress in HIV interventions.
According to him, about 432 HIV-positive individuals were identified and linked to care through community screening and referral programmes.
“Approximately 500 HIV-positive pregnant women received support, aimed at reducing mother-to-child transmission.”
He said that beyond healthcare delivery, LTR has expanded its focus on social inclusion and economic empowerment.
He explained that the project attracted support from stakeholders and secured a N5 million livelihood support pledge from the Plateau Government.
The communication and media officer, however, said that despite the gains, the organisation was facing persistent challenges.
He identified the challenges as stigma, healthcare workforce shortages, insecurity, difficult terrain, and limited rehabilitation services.
He reaffirmed LTR’s commitment to continue working with government agencies, development partners, healthcare workers and communities to expand access to quality healthcare and promote inclusive development across Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews)
Edited by Philip Yatai
