Nigeria Needs $19M to Eradicate Neglected Tropical Diseases by 2027

By DAYO ADESULU

Call for Collaborative Action to Eradicate NTDs by 2027

The National Coordinator for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Fatai Oyediran, has announced that Nigeria requires approximately $19 million to effectively combat NTDs by 2027.

Speaking during a high-level advocacy meeting with Health Commissioners from across Nigeria in Abuja, Oyediran emphasized the importance of adequate funding and strategic collaboration to implement the country’s 2023-2027 NTD Master Plan.

“With proper investment, NTDs can be controlled and eradicated. Once this is done, NTDs in Nigeria will become a thing of the past,” he said.

Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Global and National Health Concern

NTDs are a diverse group of diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins, primarily affecting impoverished tropical communities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1.6 billion people globally require NTD interventions.

In Nigeria, NTDs contribute to 50% of Africa’s disease burden and 25% globally. Common NTDs in Nigeria include:

• Elephantiasis (lymphatic filariasis)
• River blindness (onchocerciasis)
• Trachoma
• Soil-transmitted helminthiasis
• Schistosomiasis

Funding Shortfalls Hindering Progress

Oyediran identified inadequate funding as a key obstacle to controlling NTDs in Nigeria.

“There are 21 diseases grouped under NTDs, each with unique challenges. Adequate funding is critical for effective implementation of strategies to combat these diseases,” he said.

He urged federal and state governments to allocate dedicated budgets for NTDs, noting that most states lack such provisions. The meeting aimed to encourage health commissioners to advocate for funding through their governors and budgetary ministries.

State Efforts and Achievements in Combating NTDs

• Abia State:
  Abia’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche, highlighted progress in eliminating NTDs. The state successfully interrupted the transmission of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis after a decade-long drug administration program.
• Kwara State:
  Kwara’s Health Commissioner, Amina El-Imam, noted that the state has eradicated lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. However, she emphasized the need for sustained focus and funding to address remaining challenges.

Global Advocacy for NTD Eradication

Stuart Halford, Director of Advocacy and Resource Mobilisation for United to Combat NTDs, stressed the economic and social benefits of eliminating NTDs.

“NTDs contribute to productivity and economic losses. Addressing them should be a priority alongside other pressing health challenges,” Halford said.