NGO urges sustainable funding to eliminate neglected tropical diseases by 2030

NGO urges sustainable funding to eliminate neglected tropical diseases by 2030

Mr Abdulazeez Musa, Country Director,  CBM Global, an NGO, has called for sustainable funding, innovative solutions and a commitment to equitable healthcare in order to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) by 2030.

Musa made the call on Monday in Abuja during the commemoration of the World NTDs Day with theme “Unite. Act. Eliminate.”

According to him, the diseases thrive in conditions of poverty, perpetuating a vicious cycle of illness, exclusion and despair.

“These diseases are not just a public health issue; they are a social justice issue.

“Through integrated approaches and strategic partnerships with government agencies, local communities and civil society, we have delivered interventions to promote the development of inclusive health systems that will respond to national priorities.

“It will also reflect the values, needs and experiences of people with NTDs, their households and communities.

“In this way, disease management, disability and inclusion strategies can be truly person-centred and address unnecessary, avoidable, unfair and unjust differences in health outcomes for the most vulnerable.’’

According to him, the project aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of people affected in Nigeria.

“To act now means recognising that time is of the essence; delayed action leads to lost lives, diminished livelihoods and prolonged suffering.’’

According to him, no single entity can achieve the objectives alone; it requires the concerted effort of governments, development partners, the private sector and communities.

“Let us renew our resolve to prioritise the most vulnerable, especially persons with disabilities, who are disproportionately affected by NTDs.

“Let us ensure that our strategies are inclusive, empowering individuals and communities to take charge of their health and futures,” he said.

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At the overview, current efforts and progress by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in the control and elimination of NTDs, Mr Fatai Oyediran, National Coordinator, NTDS in the ministry, said that the diseases were a group of communicable diseases of the neglected poor population.

Oyediran, represented by Mr Adebayo Peters, Director, NTDs Department of Public Health in the ministry, said that those affected lived in rural areas and some disadvantaged urban population.

“The diseases are linked to poverty, unsafe water, poor sanitation, substandard house, reservoir for insects and other disease vectors, while the most vulnerable are the children and women

“These diseases affect more than three times the number of people affected by HIV, TB and Malaria; no fewer than 1.7 billion people affected globally.’’

According to him, Nigeria contributes about 50 per cent to the burden of NTDs in Africa, 25 per cent globally.

The director said that the ministry had addressed some of the diseases such as Preventive Chemotherapy (PCT) NTDs: Lymphatic Filariasis, Onchocerciasis, Schistosomiasis, Soil Transmitted Helminths and Trachoma.

He said that the ministry also addressed the Case-Management NTDs: snakebite envenoming, leprosy, buruli ulcer, HAT, GWD, lymphoedema, rabies, leishmaniasis, noma and mental Health disorder and stigma associated with NTDs.

According to him, the ministry’s achievements include case search conducted in 13 out of 19 states that have reported suspected cases of yaws including Adamawa, Plateau, Nasarawa, Sokoto, Jigawa, Niger, Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu.

He listed other states as Taraba, Benue, Ogun, Borno, Kaduna, Bauchi FCT, Oyo, Ondo, Kwara, Kebbi and Imo.

“We achieved the procurement and distribution of anti-snake venom and anti-rabies vaccines to states and many others,” he said.

According to him, the ministry achieved the implementation of DHIS2(health information management system) for reporting PC-NTDs treatment in nine states–Akwa-lbom, Gombe Osun, Jigawa, Yobe, Kwara, Enugu, Rivers and Oyo with support of partners.