The Federal Government has reiterated its determination to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria by the year 2030, urging state governments to prioritize sustainable domestic financing and effective coordination at all levels.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made the call at the High-Level Advocacy Meeting with Commissioners of Health from the 36 States and the FCT Abuja.
Dr. Salako said the meeting was convened to strengthen collaboration between the federal and state governments in mobilizing resources for NTD programmes, most of which are currently donor-funded.
He noted that over 200 million Nigerians were at risk of one NTD or another, while about 165 million people require preventive chemotherapy for at least one of the diseases.
“Neglected Tropical Diseases remain largely associated with poverty, poor sanitation, unsafe water, and substandard housing conditions. Despite some notable progress, NTDs are still not in the front burner of our healthcare agenda.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s achievements in combating NTDs, the Minister disclosed that the country has eradicated Guinea Worm since 2013, weaned 35 million people off ivermectin treatment in 10 states, and eliminated Onchocerciasis in Plateau and Nasarawa States.
Additionally, 39.5 million people across 20 states and the FCT no longer require treatment for Lymphatic Filariasis, while the prevalence of trachoma infection among at-risk populations has dropped by 84 percent.
Dr. Salako commended the 22 states that have already created budget lines for NTDs following last year’s advocacy meeting but urged them to ensure actual fund releases to sustain the progress.
He lauded the support of partners including Uniting to Combat NTDs and the Global Fund, noting that their involvement has strengthened high-level consultations on sustainable financing, logistics, and domestic resource mobilization.
The Minister also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Organization’s 2021–2030 NTD Roadmap, which promotes country ownership, accountability, and multi-sectoral collaboration. He cited the launch of Nigeria’s NTD Master Plan (2023–2027) as a major step towards achieving the global elimination target.
Dr. Salako emphasized that ending NTDs was central to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), stressing that no Nigerian should be left behind due to preventable diseases.
“Let us not allow neglected tropical diseases to result in neglected people. I urge all Commissioners to prioritize NTDs in their state budgets and integrate their elimination activities with other health programmes to maximize resources.”