Buruli Ulcer in Nigeria: The Silent Scourge
By Halima Ishaku Umbuwa | Online Journalism, ABU Zaria
When we think of health challenges in Africa, diseases like malaria, HIV, or tuberculosis usually come first. But there is another neglected tropical disease that silently eats away at lives: Buruli ulcer. Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans, it often begins as a painless lump or swelling that victims ignore, mistaking it for a simple bug bite. However, as Enoch et al. (2021) explain, the bacterium produces a toxin called mycolactone that destroys skin and soft tissue, turning that lump into a gaping ulcer — and in severe cases, reaching the bone.
🌍 The Challenge in Nigeria
In Nigeria, many patients delay seeking treatment until wounds are advanced. Aigbe et al. (2016) note that this delay leads to longer hospital stays, surgeries, and permanent disability. Unlike malaria — which we know is mosquito-borne — Buruli ulcer’s transmission remains a mystery. According to the World Health Organization, it is linked to rivers, swamps, and stagnant water. In Australia, mosquitoes may play a role, while in West Africa, including Nigeria, exposure to contaminated water is considered more likely. This uncertainty makes prevention harder, though experts advise covering wounds and protecting skin in wet areas.
💊 Treatment Options
The good news is that Buruli ulcer is treatable. Surgery was once the only option, but WHO now recommends an 8-week antibiotic combination of rifampicin and clarithromycin, which cures most early cases. Advanced infections may still require surgery and physiotherapy (NTBLCP Nigeria). Promising new drugs, like telacebec, are under study to shorten treatment.
Buruli ulcer leaves scars not only on the body but also on lives. Survivors often have twisted limbs or disfigurements that limit farming, working, or schooling. Children may drop out during long hospital stays, while adults may lose income. Survivors frequently face stigma — being labeled cursed, rejected in relationships, or excluded from society. Combating this requires not just antibiotics, but also physiotherapy, counseling, and community awareness.
🚀 The Way Forward
- Raise awareness so early lumps are recognized and treated quickly.
- Strengthen rural health centers with drugs, diagnostics, and trained staff.
- Invest in research to uncover transmission pathways and develop new treatments.
Buruli ulcer may not be as widely known as malaria or HIV, but for thousands of Nigerians, it is just as devastating. With early diagnosis, strong health systems, and continuous research, this neglected tropical disease can be defeated.