FG partners Sightsavers, Gates Foundation to eliminate NTDs in Nigeria

The Federal Government, in partnership with Sightsavers Nigeria and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria by 2025.

At a high-level meeting held on Thursday in Abuja, key stakeholders, including government officials, donor partners, and health experts, reviewed progress, identified challenges, and outlined next steps in the fight against NTDs—diseases that continue to afflict millions across the country.

Anita Gwom, Programme Director at Sightsavers Nigeria, described Nigeria as bearing the highest burden of NTDs on the continent, particularly river blindness and lymphatic filariasis.

“As the giant of Africa, we unfortunately lead in NTD prevalence. Over two million Nigerians are affected either directly or indirectly,” she said. “Some communities face a constant risk simply by virtue of their location.”

Gwom highlighted the ongoing efforts through community-based interventions and mass drug administration campaigns that have been in place for over two decades. She praised the work of trained local volunteers who go door-to-door to distribute medications, ensuring inclusive coverage.

She also noted that the current phase of the programme is focused on evaluating progress through comprehensive assessments. “This meeting is vital for identifying gaps and determining the way forward. Without data and evaluations, we cannot stop treatment or claim success.”

However, Gwom pointed out insecurity in states such as Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, and Niger as a major obstacle, saying it hampers access to communities where disease assessments are urgently needed. “We can’t risk our field workers’ lives to conduct evaluations in high-risk areas.”

She called on state governments to deepen their engagement and increase support, noting that while some states have shown strong commitment—including direct financial backing—more collective action is required.

“At this final stage of elimination, we need full political support, resource mobilisation, and stronger collaboration with local governments. We can’t rely solely on dwindling international aid. It’s time for Nigerian philanthropists and institutions to step up,” she added.

Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, Fatai Oyediran, Director and National Coordinator for NTDs at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said the meeting served as a review and strategy session for the Lymphatic Filariasis and Onchocerciasis Assessment Project, funded by the Gates Foundation.

“This is essentially our project steering committee. We’re reviewing the past six months and planning ahead, particularly as the project deadline has now been extended from February to September 2025,” he said.

Oyediran stressed that the extension allows for proper disease transmission assessments that could signal the end of mass drug administration in some areas. “We’ve treated populations for 10–15 years, but now it’s time to determine whether transmission has stopped.”

He added that the goal is for about 32 million people to no longer require treatment by the end of the project.

Public health parasitologist Professor Oladele Okogun, speaking from Europe, praised the project’s milestones and the dedication of local communities and partners. “We’ve surpassed many of our targets. The goal to eliminate lymphatic filariasis within the next five years is achievable,” he said.

Okogun noted that, for diseases that have persisted for generations, Nigeria is now at a point where it can provide scientific evidence to justify stopping treatment in affected areas.

“NTDs are ancient, but their elimination is no longer a dream. It’s within reach. We’ve proven that with the right commitment, Nigeria can lead the way in Africa.”

He concluded by stressing the urgent need for more funding to complete final surveys and reach the 2030 global elimination target.

“Financial support remains the final barrier.

“With it, we can ensure no Nigerian ever has to live with these diseases again.”