The Federal Government has announced significant progress in its efforts to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), with around 30 million Nigerians having received ivermectin treatment for Onchocerciasis (River Blindness) and Lymphatic Filariasis.
Dr Godwin Ntadom, Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, made this known during an NTD stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja.
“Through our collective efforts, Nigeria continues to record steady progress in the fight against Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis,” Ntadom said.
He reported that Lymphatic Filariasis transmission had been interrupted in 379 Local Government Areas (LGAs), while Onchocerciasis transmission had been halted in nine states and completely eliminated in two.
“About 30 million Nigerians have been weaned off treatment with ivermectin, leading to significant savings and relief for at-risk populations,” he added.
Ntadom emphasised that with sustained effort, targeted funding, and continued stakeholder collaboration, Nigeria was on course to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis as a public health problem.
Mr Fatai Oyediran, Director and National Coordinator of the NTD Division at the ministry, acknowledged support from partners, including the Gates Foundation and Sightsavers. He reaffirmed that the country’s primary NTD burden stemmed from Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis.
“To date, we have eliminated Onchocerciasis in two states and interrupted transmission in nine others. Additionally, nine more states are in advanced stages of implementation and may interrupt transmission before the end of 2025,” Oyediran said.
He cited challenges such as supply chain bottlenecks, diagnostic limitations, funding gaps, and insecurity, while stressing the need for greater transparency and accountability in programme delivery.
“There is a need for greater integration and national ownership of the NTD programme,” he added.
Oyediran also announced that the programme, initially scheduled to conclude in February 2025, had been extended to September 2025 to allow for comprehensive impact assessments. By then, an estimated 32 million people are expected to no longer require treatment.
Mrs Anita Gwom, Programme Director at Sightsavers Nigeria, noted the organisation’s two-decade-long commitment to supporting endemic communities through medication and prevention.
“We are now focusing on conducting impact assessments and surveys. These are critical to determining whether Nigeria can declare these diseases eliminated. We cannot continue indefinite treatment without proper data,” she said.
She urged increased funding, stronger public awareness, and enhanced support from state governments and local philanthropists, citing declining reliability of foreign assistance.
“We urge the Nigerian government and philanthropic community to step up support towards achieving NTD elimination,” she added.
Prof. Oladele Okogun, a Europe-based public health parasitologist, expressed optimism about the programme’s prospects.
“Though much work remains and challenges persist, the dedication of communities and partners gives us hope. The day will come when no one will need these medicines anymore,” he said.
(NAN)