News Agency of Nigeria
30m Nigerians treated for NTDs – FG

30m Nigerians treated for NTDs – FG

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By Justina Auta

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.

“Through our collective efforts, Nigeria continues to record steady progress in the fight against Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis,” Ntadom stated.

He noted that 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.

“About 30 million Nigerians have been weaned off treatment with ivermectin, leading to significant savings and relief for at-risk populations,” he added.

Ntadom, represented by Dr Nse Akpan, Director of Port Health Services, emphasised 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.

He reiterated that Nigeria’s NTD burden was largely driven by Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis.

“To date, we have eliminated Onchocerciasis in two states and interrupted transmission in nine others.

“Additionally, nine more states are in advanced stages of implementation and may interrupt transmission before the end of 2025,” Oyediran said.

He identified challenges including drug supply chain issues, lack of diagnostics, funding constraints, and insecurity, while stressing the importance of transparency, accountability, and responsible programme implementation.

“There is a need for greater integration and national ownership of the NTD programme,” he added.

Oyediran also revealed that the programme, initially set to conclude in Feb. 2025, had been extended to Sept. 2025 to allow for thorough impact assessment.

“By then, around 32 million people are expected to no longer require treatment under the project.”

Mrs Anita Gwom, Programme Director at Sightsavers Nigeria, highlighted the organisation’s more than 20 years of support to endemic communities through medication and preventive care.

“We are now focusing on conducting impact assessments and surveys. These are critical to determining whether Nigeria can declare these diseases eliminated. We cannot continue indefinite treatment without proper data,” she said.

Gwom called for increased funding, public awareness, and stronger support from state governments and local philanthropists, noting that foreign aid was becoming less reliable.

“We urge the Nigerian government and philanthropic community to step up support towards achieving NTD elimination,” she added.

Prof. Oladele Okogun, a Europe-based public health parasitologist, expressed optimism: “Though much work remains and challenges persist, the dedication of communities and partners gives us hope.

“The day will come when no one will need these medicines anymore.”(NAN)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Abiemwense Moru

Anambra treats 156 dog bite cases in 2 years – Official

Anambra treats 156 dog bite cases in 2 years – Official

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Dog

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

The Anambra State Government, in partnership with Carter Centre, said it recorded and treated 156 dog bite cases between 2023 and 2024.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, made this known at a news conference on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Interventions, to mark the 2025 World NTDs Day, in Awka.

The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Unite to Act Towards Elimination of NTDs”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World NTDs Day is marked every Jan. 30 to create awareness and support the growing momentum for the control, elimination and eradication of these diseases.

Obidike said the state government established three centres for the treatment of dog bite victims against rabies viral infection at Onitsha Federal Medical Centre, Ekwulobia and Enugu-Ukwu General Hospitals.

“Out of the 156 dog bite cases, 118 victims showed open wounds and bleeding, and more than half received free prophylactic treatment with anti-rabies vaccines.

“Results indicated that 87 males and 69 females were exposed, representing 56 per cent and 44 per cent respectively.

“The incessant movement of unvaccinated homeless, stray dogs in our streets remains a big challenge of public health.

“We are collaborating with the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture, to control rabies viral infection in the state,” he said.

The commissioner identified onchocerciasis, known as river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) as the NTDs in the state.

According to him, NTDs are caused by a variety of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins.

He said that the state had successfully eliminated two NTDs – river blindness and elephantiasis, through mass drug administration and vector control programmes.

Obidike urged Carter Centre and academic institutions to strengthen collaboration with the government, to sustain the successes achieved in the prevention of NTDs.

He urged residents to report cases of elephantiasis, hydrocele, dog bites, snake bites, oncho nodules, yaws, buruli ulcer, leprosy, guinea worm, and bloody urine, to the nearest health centre for prompt treatment.

Also speaking, Mrs Egeonu Attamah-Isiani, Programme Officer, Carter Centre, said the centre would continue to support the state to eliminate NTDs and achieve the global target by 2030.

In her remarks, Prof. Nkiru Orji, Coordinator, Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), South-East, urged the state government to make policies and increase funding for NTDs research, to provide data for elimination. (NAN)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Oluwafunke Ishola

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