 New data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) reveals that 138.9 million Nigerians require interventions to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). The latest epidemiological and programmatic data for 2022, analyzed in 2023 and released by WHO on Saturday 10th May 2024, shed light on Nigeria's NTD burden. Neglected Tropical Diseases are endemic in Nigeria, ranking first in Africa and second globally after India. World Health Organization defines NTDs as a diverse group of conditions of parasitic, bacterial, viral, fungal, and non-communicable origin, with Nigeria hosting more than 15 NTDs.
Although Nigeria eliminated dracunculiasis (Guinea-worm disease) in 2013, it remains endemic for several other NTDs. The population requiring interventions against NTDs reached approximately 138.9 million in 2022, surpassing all African countries and second only to India globally. According to WHO, this figure includes 138.9 million individuals in need of treatment for lymphatic filariasis, 48.7 million requiring treatment for soil-transmitted helminthiases, and 43.5 million needing treatment for onchocerciasis through mass drug administration. The Federal Government announced in 2023 its commitment to eradicating NTDs in Nigeria by 2027. Dr. Ibrahima Fall, Director of the WHO Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, emphasized the need for collective action to address the deep-rooted inequalities fueling NTD transmission. This entails prioritizing advocacy, partnerships, costing, accelerated implementation, research, development, and leadership to tackle Nigeria's NTD burden effectively. Source: PUNCH
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