Abuja: The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, has urged states to mobilise domestic funding for the control and elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria. Salako, represented by Daju Kachollom, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, made the call at a media conference ahead of the 2026 NTDs Day celebration in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the theme for the 2025 celebration is ‘Unite, Act and Eliminate NTDs towards achievements of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).’ Salako highlighted that controlling and eliminating NTDs is crucial for Nigeria’s efforts towards achieving UHC by 2030, realizing a disease-free SDG, and eradicating poverty. He urged states to establish budget lines to gather the necessary domestic funding.
Salako emphasized the importance of integrating NTDs elimination activities with other disease entities to leverage economies of scale within states. He cautioned against allowing NTDs to translate into neglected people, underscoring the need for inclusive efforts in addressing the burden of NTDs.
The minister noted that NTDs often thrive in silence and neglect, calling for a collective voice, action, and determination to tackle the challenge. He reminded that although Nigeria accounts for 25 percent of the NTDs burden across Africa, sustained commitment from stakeholders would lead to significant progress and total elimination by 2030.
Mr. Fatai Oyediran, Director and National Coordinator NTDs Unit, Department of Public Health, mentioned that NTDs primarily affect the rural poor and some urban centers due to poor hygiene, ventilation, water sources, and lack of access to healthcare. Oyediran explained that the federal government has implemented strategies leading to significant progress in eliminating NTDs, including the removal of millions of Nigerians from various NTD treatments.
Despite these achievements, Oyediran called for further support towards eliminating Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) and other case management NTDs like snake bites, rabies, and guinea worm. He also encouraged citizens to improve Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices and increase awareness to reduce the prevalence of NTDs. He noted that practicing WASH could reduce disease prevalence by 30 percent.