Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

FG, States collaborate to curb neglected tropical diseases

POSTED ON November 29, 2024 •   Health & Wellness      BY Benedicta Bassey
Photo illustration of NTDs

ABUJA, Nigeria — In a bid to end neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), the Federal Government, alongside health commissioners from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, have collaborated to fight the struggle.

NTDs, as defined by the World Health Organisation, include diseases caused by various pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

The National Coordinator for NTDs at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Fatai Oyediran said this during an advocacy meeting in Abuja.

He said $19 million was required to effectively tackle NTDs in Nigeria.

Oyediran said, “We developed our NTDs master plan for 2023–2027. With adequate investment, these diseases can be controlled and eradicated. Mobilizing resources and implementing this plan strategically will ensure NTDs in Nigeria become a thing of the past."

 Neglected Tropical diseases predominantly affect impoverished communities in tropical areas, with over 1.6 billion people requiring NTD interventions globally.

However, Nigeria accounts for approximately 50% of Africa’s NTD burden and 25% globally.

He highlighted NTDs prevalent in the country to include elephantiasis, river blindness, trachoma, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis.

He also identified  inadequate funding as major challenge in combating NTDs, adding that, most states lack budgetary allocation  for addressing the diseases.

“We are engaging health commissioners to encourage their governors and budget ministries to establish a dedicated budget line for NTDs,” he said.

Speaking on NTDs, Abia State’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche, reported that four NTDs—onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, and schistosomiasis—were endemic in the state.

He said addressing the challenge, the state “Through mass drug administration programs, achieved certification for breaking the transmission of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis in 2022,” he said.

Also,  Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Amina El-Imam, announced the eradication of lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis in the state, while emphasising the need for renewed focus and funding to achieve the complete elimination of NTDs.

The Director of Advocacy and Resource Mobilisation at United to Combat NTDs, Stuart Halford, called for prioritising NTD eradication, citing the economic and productivity losses caused by these diseases.

READ ALSO
Drug Abuse: NDLEA urges community collaboration to protect youth
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 12, 2025 0

ONDO, Nigeria - The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reports that approximately 14 milli...

READ ALSO
NDLEA calls for action against drug-related misinformation
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 12, 2025 0

ABUJA,Nigeria (NAN)- The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) called on the Federal Governme...

READ ALSO
NACA urges Nigerians to celebrate Valentine's Day with Health in Mind, prioritize HIV safety
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 12, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN) - The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has called on Nigerians to...

READ ALSO
UNICEF Urges Kano Govt. to intensify polio combat, routine immunisation efforts
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 10, 2025 0

KADUNA, Nigeria (NAN) - The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged the Kano state g...

READ ALSO
NCS launches campaign to combat cancer ignorance
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 8, 2025 0

ABUJA,Nigeria (NAN)- The Nigerian Cancer Society announced on Friday in Abuja its commitment to init...

READ ALSO
NAFDAC destroys counterfeit, expired drugs worth N4.7b in Rivers
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 8, 2025 0

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced the destruct...

READ ALSO
Shettima highlights Nigeria's growing medical tourism
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 7, 2025 0

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has stated that patients from the United States (US) and other nation...

READ ALSO
World Cancer Day: INAAC advocate support to combat skin cancer
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 5, 2025 0

BENIN, Nigeria - The Initiative for Advancement of the Albinism Cause (INAAC) has appealed for suppo...

OUR CHANNELS:

NCS transfers 1,599 firearms to NSA
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 15, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria - The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially transferred 1,599 different types...


2027 Elections: Labour Party reaffirms commitment with Obi's candidacy
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 14, 2025 0

In anticipation of the 2027 general elections, the Labour Party (LP) National Publicity Secretary, A...


Copa del Rey Draw: Real Madrid avoids Barcelona in semifinals
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 14, 2025 0

The eagerly awaited draw for the Copa del Rey semifinals has been officially revealed, with Real Mad...


Tinubu highlight mainstream AI to expand digital infrastructure
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 14, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - President Bola Tinubu has detailed his administration's plans to integrate modern a...


Ogun speaker highlights Dangote's support for Nigeria's growth
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 14, 2025 0

OGUN, Nigeria - The Speaker of the Ogun House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, praised Aliko Dangote,...


Mohbad, Odumodu Blvck leads nominations as Headies announces 17th edition line-up
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 14, 2025 0

The Headies awards, Nigeria's premier music awards, announced its nominees on Wednesday for the upco...


FG unveils plans to recapitalize BOA for enhance food security
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 13, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - The federal government has revealed plans to recapitalize the Bank of Agriculture (...


Drug Abuse: NDLEA urges community collaboration to protect youth
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 14, 2025 0

ONDO, Nigeria - The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reports that approximately 14 milli...


Grassroots Rugby: NRFF appoints coaches, to Promote Girls' involvement
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 12, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN)- The President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Ademola Are, ha...


NDLEA calls for action against drug-related misinformation
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 12, 2025 0

ABUJA,Nigeria (NAN)- The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) called on the Federal Governme...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu