By Folasade Akpan
Participants at the World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day awareness walk in Abuja have warned that the diseases continue to spread because people underestimate them.
Speaking during the walk, they said many Nigerians still believe NTDs are insignificant because they are called “neglected,” adding that the term refers to the lack of attention, not to their severity.
NTDs are a group of communicable diseases that thrive in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in communities with limited access to clean water, sanitation and healthcare.
They cause disability, disfigurement, social stigma and poverty.
The theme for the 2026 commemoration is “Unite, Act, Eliminate NTDs Towards the Achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Mrs Chinwe Okoye, National Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) Programme Manager at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said the biggest challenge remains poor awareness, even as Nigeria carries one of the heaviest burdens globally.
“The message we are giving out is to unite, to act and eliminate NTD. It is neglected and when people look at it as neglected, they don’t see it as important.
“This is something that can be inside your body for five to 10 years, destroying cells without you knowing. NTD is dangerous.”
Okoye explained that LF, commonly known as elephantiasis, is caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
She said Nigeria accounts for 50 per cent of the global burden and 25 per cent of Africa’s cases.
According to her, symptoms often appear late, leaving people to wrongly attribute them to spiritual attacks.
“You see what we call elephantiasis—the legs swollen, the scrotum enlarging. Some say their village people caused it, but by then the lymph cells have already been damaged,” she said.
She stressed the importance of taking free annual ivermectin and albendazole treatments distributed in endemic communities.
Okoye warned that advanced symptoms lead to permanent disability, marital strain, loss of livelihood and severe emotional trauma.
Mr Gambo Yakubu, Head of Monitoring and Evaluation for the NTDs Control Programme at the Ministry, said about 80 per cent of Nigerians are affected by at least one NTD.
He attributed the diseases’ prevalence to Nigeria’s tropical climate and large population.
He said 583 local governments are endemic for LF, 480 for onchocerciasis (river blindness), 583 for schistosomiasis, 424 for soil-transmitted helminths and 133 for trachoma.
“These are diseases silently killing people because they are not receiving the required attention,” he said.
Dr Sarah Pantuvo, Liaison Officer of The Carter Centre, said eliminating NTDs requires shared responsibility from partners, communities, health workers and government.
She said the theme of the event reflects the need for collective action backed by political will and sustained funding.
Pantuvo said The Carter Centre supports 10 states and has contributed to the elimination of onchocerciasis and LF in Plateau and Nasarawa states.
Also speaking, Mr Peter Iorkighir, President of Integration, Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA) Nigeria, and a person affected by leprosy, raised concerns over persistent drug shortages.
He said access to medications for leprosy has fluctuated over the last two years.
“They tell us the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control regulations delay the drugs.
“This is giving us a setback. If people are not treated early, they develop disabilities that lead to stigma and discrimination,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government to work closely with partners to improve early case detection, ensure an uninterrupted supply of medicines and strengthen support at the grassroots.
Participants at the walk reiterated that NTDs remain a major public health and development challenge but can be eliminated with coordinated action, adequate funding and stronger health systems. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola
