By Simeon OSAJIE
Stakeholders from Edo State and 12 other states participated in a five-day Human-Centred Design (HCD)-inspired Co-Creation Workshop aimed at reducing stigma against people affected by leprosy.
The workshop, organised by Red Aid Nigeria, DAHW and the Institute of Social Change, Development and Innovation (ISCODEI), was held from September 21 to 25, 2026, in Enugu, with the theme, “Together, Let’s End Leprosy-Related Stigma.” The programme focused on developing a Stigma Reduction Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Package and equipping participants with appropriate awareness messages for their communities.
Chief Executive Officer of Red Aid Nigeria, Dr. Daniel Egbule, in his remark, said that accurate media reporting and public sensitisation would help communities understand leprosy, interact appropriately with affected persons and contribute to ending stigma and discrimination.
Chief Operating Officer of ISCODEI, Patrick Ikani, said the media has a major role to play in raising awareness and stopping the stigmatisation of persons affected by leprosy.
Director of Programmes at Red Aid Nigeria, Dr. Charles Nwafor, said the workshop was expected to raise awareness, promote social and behavioural change and contribute to ending stigma against people affected by leprosy.
The workshop also addressed misconceptions about leprosy and stressed that people affected by the disease should not be mocked, isolated or discriminated against.
Participants were encouraged to take the awareness messages back to their respective communities and promote dignity and acceptance for people affected by leprosy.