A Historical Study of Leprosy Control Policies in Western Nigeria, 1896-1945

Abstract

This study is within the domain of medical history, a neglected area of studies in Nigeria that is gradually gaining the attention of Nigerian historians. The study examines the institution of leprosy control policies in colonial Western Nigeria up to 1945, when the foundation of what became the basic control modalities was laid. The study analyses and provides insight into the early years of leprosy control in Western Nigeria, thereby filling the gap in a number studies. The study reveals that the colonial authorities disapproved of the indigenous method of leprosy control. They introduced new medicines such iodide of potassium, hydreg perchloride and chaulmoogra oil, but emphasised the seclusion of lepers in leprosaria. Leprosaria in the form of asylum, camps and settlements were created across Western Nigeria to facilitate the seclusion policy. The study also analyses the synergy between the government, Native Authorities, Christian missions, international agencies and families in the funding and management of the leprosy centres. To meet the objectives of the enquiry, the study relies substantially on primary sources especially the extraction of information from the national archives, Ibadan, while relying more on the Annual Reports of the Medical Department and related files.

Keywords: Leprosy, Western Nigeria, Leprosaria, Medicine, Ordinance