Nigeria Requires $19 Million to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases says Federal Government
The federal government through Fatai Oyediran, the National Coordinator for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, stated that Nigeria needs approximately $19 million to effectively tackle Neglected Tropical Diseases.
He made this declaration during the second day of a high-level advocacy meeting with Commissioners for Health from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.
He emphasized that with the right investment, Neglected Tropical Diseases can be controlled and even eradicated, noting that Nigeria has developed a Neglected Tropical Diseases master plan that runs through 2027, outlining the necessary steps for combating these diseases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines NTDs as a group of diseases caused by various pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites, which often affect impoverished populations in tropical regions. Nigeria contributes significantly to the global burden of NTDs, accounting for 50% of Africa’s NTD burden and 25% globally.
Oyediran pointed out that inadequate funding remains a major challenge in the fight against NTDs in Nigeria. He stressed the need for both federal and state governments to allocate sufficient budgets for NTDs, as most states currently lack dedicated funding for these diseases. He also urged health commissioners to work with their governors and ministries of budget and planning to create budget lines specifically for NTDs, ensuring that the necessary resources are available to address the issue effectively.
During the meeting, various state officials shared their experiences. For instance, Abia State’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche, mentioned that the state had four endemic NTDs, including onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. He highlighted efforts such as mass drug administration, which helped break the transmission of some of these diseases. Kwara State’s Commissioner for Health, Amina El-Imam, also reported that the state had successfully eradicated lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, stressing the importance of continued focus and funding to achieve the goal of complete NTD eradication.