By Mercy Gadia Adi
The Federal Government has launched two key policy documents aimed at accelerating the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria by 2030.
The documents – Strategic Framework and Implementation Guidelines for NTDs-WASH and the Advocacy Strategy and Toolkit for NTDs – were unveiled at a dissemination meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, mni, represented by the Director, Port Health Division, Dr. Nse Akpan, described the launch as “a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against NTDs,” noting that more than 120 million Nigerians are affected, particularly in communities with poor access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
“NTDs remain one of the most significant public health and developmental challenges in our country. They perpetuate cycles of poverty, disability and stigma,” she said. “The framework provides a roadmap linking WASH services with disease control, while the toolkit equips us with the means to mobilise political will, community ownership, and domestic resources.”
She explained that the framework is anchored on Nigeria’s NTD Master Plan (2023–2027) and the WASH Roadmap (2021–2030), integrating health, water resources, education and environment sectors, with emphasis on data sharing, institutional collaboration, operational research and community-based service delivery.
The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed government’s commitment to meeting the 2030 elimination target, urging state and local governments, development partners and communities to “translate strategies into visible results – access to safe water and sanitation in endemic communities, stronger surveillance systems, improved financing, and healthier lives free from preventable diseases.”
Also speaking, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Godwin Ntadom, represented by the Programme Manager, National Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Programme, Mrs. Chinwe Okoye, said the advocacy toolkit will be a “potent instrument for change,” offering strategies to engage policymakers and secure sustainable financing.
Chairman of the NTD-WASH Subcommittee, Dr. Margaret Mafe, stressed that WASH interventions are critical to eliminating diseases such as trachoma, schistosomiasis and lymphatic filariasis. She said success will depend on cross-sector collaboration, financial investment and effective use of advocacy tools to drive policy and behavioral change.
Stakeholders present at the meeting included representatives of federal and state ministries, civil society, development partners and community groups. Development partners acknowledged for their support included UNICEF, Sightsavers, CBM, MITOSATH, Helen Keller International, Evidence Action and The Carter Centre.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, WHO, UNICEF, Sight Savers and Mission to Save Lives.