Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to eradicating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) by 2030, with the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, calling for stronger partnerships to achieve universal health coverage.
Speaking at the 2025 World NTD Day commemoration in Abuja, Dr. Salako revealed that over 200 million Nigerians are at risk of one NTD or another, with 165 million requiring preventive chemotherapy.
“NTDs continue to affect the most vulnerable, particularly women and children, due to poverty, poor sanitation, and unsafe water supply,” Dr. Salako stated. He highlighted Nigeria’s achievements, including the eradication of Guinea Worm in 2013 and the elimination of Onchocerciasis in Plateau and Nasarawa States.
The theme of this year’s campaign, “Unite, Act, and Eliminate NTDs,” underscores the urgency of innovative and sustainable financing to achieve the 2030 targets. Dr. Salako pointed to the 2023–2027 NTD Master Plan as a comprehensive framework for advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
“The 2021–2030 WHO NTD Roadmap provides ambitious targets and innovative approaches. Nigeria is fully committed to implementing it, with a focus on accountability, multi-sectoral integration, and political will to ensure sustainability,” he added.
Dr. Salako further noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Unlock Healthcare Value Chain” initiative aims to address pharmaceutical shortages and boost local manufacturing, which would significantly enhance the fight against NTDs.
Progress and Partnerships
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs. Kachollom Daju, represented by the National NTD Coordinator, Mr. Fatai Oyediran, highlighted progress in reducing the disease burden through collaborative efforts. She emphasized the need for sustained commitment to creating a healthier and disease-free environment.
“While some diseases have been eradicated, others still affect low-income communities, impacting their health and economic stability. Efforts by stakeholders have yielded significant results in reducing disease prevalence across many states,” she said.
The Director of Helen Keller International, Mr. Aliyu Mohammed, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to eliminate leprosy and other NTDs. “We are stretching our collaboration to ensure the complete eradication of leprosy and other NTDs as part of the broader fight against poverty,” he stated.
UNICEF Consultant Hilary Adie stressed the importance of clean water and sanitation in combating hygiene-related diseases. “We thank the Nigerian government for initiatives like the Clean Nigeria Campaign, which aims to make communities open-defecation-free,” Adie noted.
Similarly, CBM Global Country Director, Abdulazeez Musa, emphasized the need for sustainable funding and equitable healthcare. “To act now is essential, as delays result in lost lives, diminished livelihoods, and prolonged suffering,” he said.
Challenges and Advocacy
Despite progress, challenges remain. The National President of IDEA Nigeria, Mr. Peter Iorkighir, condemned the prolonged shortage of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) medications for leprosy treatment. “Leprosy is curable, yet thousands remain untreated due to bureaucratic delays. This is a human rights violation,” he said.
The commemoration concluded with a call to action for governments, development partners, and stakeholders to unite in addressing the NTD burden and ensuring no one is left behind.
