From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziao Kunle Salako, has revealed that over 200 million Nigerians are at risk of contracting one or more Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). According to him, 165 million Nigerians require preventive chemotherapy for at least one NTD.
Dr. Salako made these remarks during the 2025 World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day celebration held in Abuja on Monday. The event was themed: “Unite, Act, and Eliminate NTDs as Catalysts for Global Health and Sustainable Development.”
He explained that NTDs are a group of communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect children and women, especially those in impoverished conditions. These diseases are often linked to poor sanitation, unsafe water, and inadequate housing.
Globally, over one billion people—12.5% of the world’s population—are affected by NTDs across 149 countries, with Africa shouldering nearly half the global burden. Dr. Salako emphasized that Nigeria accounts for about 25% of Africa’s NTD cases.
The Minister underscored the significance of World NTD Day in renewing awareness about these diseases and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. He noted that the day offers an opportunity to:
Highlight progress made and challenges faced in combating NTDs.
Advocate for greater support in prevention, control, and elimination efforts.
“The World NTD Day is a chance to reignite momentum to end the suffering caused by these 21 diseases, which are triggered by various pathogens, viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins. Our focus must remain on millions of people who lack access to prevention, treatment, and care services,” Dr. Salako stated.
He highlighted the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 10-year NTD roadmap (2021–2030), which sets ambitious targets and innovative strategies for tackling NTDs globally. The plan emphasizes three key pathways:
1. Shifting from process-based to impact-based measures for accountability.
2. Implementing effective multi-sectoral approaches across NTDs.
3. Promoting country ownership and political commitment to sustainability.
Dr. Salako also announced that Nigeria has developed and reviewed its NTD Master Plan (2023–2027), which serves as an advocacy tool for achieving the 2030 targets.
The Minister acknowledged the critical role of partnerships in combating NTDs, emphasizing collaboration between public and private sectors, donor countries, multilateral organizations, research institutions, and civil society groups.
“Fifty-one countries have successfully eliminated at least one of the 21 NTDs, demonstrating that progress is achievable. Nigeria will continue to work alongside other endemic countries and stakeholders in line with the WHO roadmap,” he said.
He urged state governments to join the federal government in allocating adequate budgetary funding and integrating NTD elimination activities with other health programs to maximize resources.
“Let us not allow neglected tropical diseases to create neglected people,” he appealed.
Dr. Salako concluded by expressing gratitude to development partners such as WHO, UNICEF, USAID, and various NGOs for their contributions to NTD elimination efforts. He also called on the media to raise awareness and support the fight against NTDs.
Earlier, the Country Director of CBM Global Nigeria, Abdulaziz Musa, highlighted his organization’s efforts in combating NTDs. He explained that CBM Global is working with a consortium of partners, including the National NTD and Mental Health Programs, University of Jos, RedAid Nigeria, and The Leprosy Mission Nigeria, to integrate mental health care into the national NTD program.
CBM Global is also implementing the CiSKuLA Project, which focuses on placing communities and individuals affected by NTDs at the centre of their approach to building resilience.
Musa called on stakeholders to prioritize investment in NTDs, particularly for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities. He urged the government to ensure sustainable funding for the health system.
The 2025 World NTD Day celebration featured goodwill messages from stakeholders, panel discussions on implementing NTD activities, and awards presented to individuals and organizations contributing to the fight against NTDs.