Abuja: The Federal Government has announced major progress in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), with approximately 30 million Nigerians receiving 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 (FMoHSW), disclosed this at the NTD stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Ntadom noted that the transmission of Lymphatic Filariasis had been interrupted in 379 Local Government Areas (LGAs), while the Onchocerciasis Elimination Programme had halted disease transmission in nine states and completely eliminated the disease in two. He mentioned that around 30 million Nigerians have been weaned off treatment with ivermectin, leading to significant savings and relief for at-risk populations.
Dr. Ntadom, represented by Dr. Nse Akpan, Director of Port Health Services, emphasized that with increased efforts, strategic
funding, and strong stakeholder collaboration, Nigeria was on track to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis as a public health problem. Mr. Fatai Oyediran, Director and National Coordinator of the NTD Division at FMoHSW, acknowledged the support of partners such as the Gates Foundation and Sightsavers, reiterating that Nigeria’s NTD burden was largely driven by Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis.
He reported that Onchocerciasis has been eliminated in two states and transmission interrupted in nine others, with nine more states in advanced stages of implementation, potentially interrupting transmission before the end of 2025. Oyediran identified challenges such as drug supply chain issues, lack of diagnostics, funding constraints, and insecurity, stressing the importance of transparency, accountability, and responsible programme implementation.
Oyediran also revealed that the programme, initially set to conclude in February 2025, had been extended to September 2025 to allow for thorough impact assessment, wi
th around 32 million people expected to no longer require treatment under the project by then. Mrs. Anita Gwom, Programme Director at Sightsavers Nigeria, highlighted the organisation’s over 20 years of support to endemic communities through medication and preventive care. She stressed the importance of conducting impact assessments and surveys to determine whether Nigeria can declare these diseases eliminated.
Gwom called for increased funding, public awareness, and stronger support from state governments and local philanthropists, noting that foreign aid was becoming less reliable. Prof. Oladele Okogun, a Europe-based public health parasitologist, expressed optimism about the progress, acknowledging the dedication of communities and partners while emphasizing that challenges remain.