The Federal Government has called on state governments to mobilize domestic funding to strengthen the control and eventual elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria.
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, appealed at a media briefing in Abuja ahead of the 2026 NTDs Day celebration. He stressed that tackling NTDs is critical to Nigeria’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030, meeting health-related Sustainable Development Goals, and reducing poverty.
Dr Salako urged states to create dedicated budget lines for NTD programmes, warning that neglecting the diseases could further marginalise affected populations. He noted that NTDs often thrive in silence and called for collective action, stronger commitment, and inclusive policies to address the burden.
He disclosed that Nigeria accounts for about 25 per cent of Africa’s NTD burden, but expressed confidence that sustained stakeholder support could lead to the total elimination of NTDs by 2030.
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Also speaking, Director and National Coordinator of the NTDs Unit at the Ministry of Health, Mr Fatai Oyediran, said NTDs mainly affect rural communities and some urban areas due to poor sanitation, unsafe water, and limited access to healthcare.
He highlighted progress made so far, noting that about 59 million people have been freed from onchocerciasis treatment, 119.9 million from lymphatic filariasis, and 36 million from trachoma treatment.
However, he called for increased funding and support to eliminate schistosomiasis and other NTDs such as snake bites, rabies, and guinea worm, while urging improved hygiene and public awareness nationwide.
