Nigeria is grappling with a high prevalence of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), with two out of every three Nigerians affected by at least one of these diseases, according to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The alarming statistics were revealed by the National Coordinator for NTDs, Fatai Oyediran, during a high-level advocacy meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, which brought together commissioners for health from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The theme of the meeting was “Strengthening efforts to control and eliminate NTDs in Nigeria.”
Oyediran explained that globally, approximately 1.7 billion people are affected by NTDs—more than three times the number of people affected by HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria combined.
“These diseases are closely linked to poverty, poor sanitation, and unsafe water,” he said. “Nigeria contributes about 50 percent to the burden of NTDs in Africa and 25 percent globally.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) categorises NTDs as a diverse group of conditions caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. WHO reports that NTDs disproportionately affect impoverished communities in tropical regions.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, noted that NTDs are a major health challenge, particularly in rural and marginalized communities.
“These diseases cause significant suffering, social stigma, and economic hardship,” he said. “Effective public health systems are crucial for combating these issues, especially in the face of limited resources.”
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for the FCT Health Services, also stressed the importance of sustained advocacy and stakeholder collaboration to address NTDs. “Community engagement and awareness campaigns are key to making progress in preventing and controlling these diseases,” she added.
