The Federal Government has recorded significant progress in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria. At a recent meeting held in Abuja, health authorities revealed that approximately 30 million Nigerians have received ivermectin treatment to combat Onchocerciasis (commonly known as River Blindness) and Lymphatic Filariasis, two of the most widespread NTDs in the country.
The disclosure was made by Dr. Godwin Ntadom, Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW), during a stakeholders’ engagement session on Wednesday. He stated that due to collective efforts, Nigeria has continued to make steady gains in controlling and eliminating these life-altering diseases.
According to Dr. Ntadom, transmission of Lymphatic Filariasis has been successfully interrupted in 379 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Nigeria. He added that the Onchocerciasis Elimination Programme has stopped disease transmission in nine states, with complete elimination achieved in two. These achievements are being seen as a breakthrough in the country’s long-term battle against NTDs.
He noted, “About 30 million Nigerians have been weaned off treatment with ivermectin, leading to significant savings and relief for at-risk populations.”
Ntadom stressed that with continued commitment, strategic investment, and stronger coordination among stakeholders, Nigeria is on track to completely eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis as a public health problem in the near future.
Also speaking at the meeting, Mr. Fatai Oyediran, Director and National Coordinator of the NTD Division at the FMoHSW, acknowledged the critical role played by international and local partners, including Sightsavers and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He emphasized that Nigeria’s NTD burden remains largely driven by Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis, two diseases that thrive in poor, underdeveloped, and often neglected communities.
Oyediran said, “To date, we have eliminated Onchocerciasis in two states and interrupted transmission in nine others. Nine more states are currently at advanced stages and may interrupt transmission before the end of 2025.”
While highlighting the progress made, he did not shy away from discussing ongoing challenges. Oyediran listed supply chain delays, inadequate diagnostics, limited funding, and insecurity in some parts of the country as persistent threats to the programme’s success.
He noted the importance of accountability and greater national ownership of the NTD programme, saying, “There is a need for greater integration and national ownership of the NTD programme.”
To allow for proper monitoring and evaluation, the programme’s initial closing date of February 2025 has been shifted to September 2025. By then, officials expect that 32 million Nigerians will no longer require treatment for these two diseases under the ongoing project.
In her remarks, Mrs. Anita Gwom, Programme Director at Sightsavers Nigeria, said the organisation has supported endemic communities for over 20 years, supplying medication and offering preventive care. She explained that the focus now is on impact assessments and surveys to determine whether Nigeria can officially declare these diseases eliminated.
“We cannot continue indefinite treatment without proper data,” she stated, stressing that the final push must be backed by hard evidence and solid reporting.
Gwom also called for increased local funding, noting that foreign aid may not always be guaranteed. She urged the Nigerian government and wealthy citizens to contribute more to the national effort.
“We urge the Nigerian government and philanthropic community to step up support towards achieving NTD elimination,” she added.
Another voice of support came from Prof. Oladele Okogun, a public health parasitologist based in Europe, who expressed optimism about the future of NTD elimination in Nigeria. He acknowledged that although there are hurdles ahead, the unity among communities, stakeholders, and development partners gives hope for a future where treatment is no longer needed.
Nigeria, one of the countries most affected by tropical diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, has made giant strides in controlling NTDs over the years. These diseases, often overlooked globally, cause severe disfigurement, blindness, and disability, especially in poor rural areas.
Experts believe that community engagement, early treatment, and public health education are key tools in achieving elimination. However, they also stress that sustained funding, better drug delivery systems, and continued support from international donors and local stakeholders are essential to keep progress on track.
As the Federal Government pushes towards the 2025 target, citizens are hopeful that the long-standing burden of these diseases may soon be a thing of the past.
