National Leprosy and Tuberculosis Control Programme

A Programme coordinates the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of leprosy and tuberculosis across Nigeria. It targets affected persons, healthcare workers, and communities in high-burden areas for early detection and care. This aims to eliminate these diseases as public health problems.

What Is This Policy?

The national programme responsible for coordinating the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and control of leprosy and tuberculosis in Nigeria, operating under the Federal Ministry of Health with presence in all states.

Who Does It Target?

Persons affected by leprosy and tuberculosis Healthcare workers in TB and leprosy services State and LGA disease control officers Communities in high-burden areas

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Eliminate leprosy as a public health problem and significantly reduce the burden of tuberculosis in Nigeria through early detection, effective treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of affected persons.

Key Features

TB DOTS Programme: Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course strategy for TB case management Multi-Drug Therapy for Leprosy: Free WHO-recommended treatment for all leprosy patients Active Case Finding: Community screening and contact tracing for both diseases Drug-Resistant TB Management: Specialized treatment centres for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis Disability Prevention: Rehabilitation services and self-care training for persons with leprosy-related disabilities

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Fully operational across all states Coverage: All 36 states and FCT with services at state and LGA levels Lead Agency: National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP) Funding: Global Fund, USAID, federal and state government allocations

How to Access

TB and leprosy diagnosis and treatment are provided free at designated health facilities. Visit the nearest health facility for TB or leprosy screening Diagnosis and treatment are provided at no cost to the patient Treatment supporters help patients complete their medication regimen

Official Resources

Website: health.gov.ng Contact: NTBLCP, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja

Legal Framework

Operates under the National Health Act 2014, the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme framework, and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS Act (for TB/HIV co-infection). Draws on WHO End TB Strategy, the Stop TB Partnership guidelines, and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease protocols.