About 122 million Nigerians are at risk of contracting one Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) or another, with many requiring preventive chemotherapy for at least one of these ailments. In response, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating NTDs in the country by 2030.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, disclosed in Abuja during a briefing on the upcoming World NTDs Day that $18.7 million is needed over five years to combat key diseases.
These funds aim to eliminate blinding trachoma, halt the need for Onchocerciasis treatment in 22 endemic states, and achieve 62% coverage for managing Lymphatic Filariasis in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) NTD Roadmap 2030.
Dr. Salako revealed that over one billion people globally—12.5% of the world’s population—are affected by NTDs in 149 countries, with Africa bearing half of the global burden. Alarmingly, Nigeria alone accounts for 25% of cases on the continent. He pointed out that NTDs are both communicable and non-communicable diseases, disproportionately affecting children and women, particularly in regions plagued by poverty, poor sanitation, unsafe water, and substandard housing.
Highlighting the importance of global collaboration, Salako pointed to the WHO’s 10-year NTD Roadmap (2021–2030) as a comprehensive strategy.
This roadmap will help tackle NTDs through innovative approaches, including integrating programs, emphasizing measurable impacts, and fostering political commitment for sustainability.
