Director of the Center for Transdisciplinary Research in Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases at the University of Lagos, Prof. Wellington Oyibo, told Grace Edema that state governments have crucial roles in eradicating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). NTDs are illnesses primarily confined to tropical regions of developing countries and are closely linked to poverty. Poor infrastructure—such as inadequate sanitation facilities and lack of clean water—facilitates transmission. For example, when people defecate in bushes and cannot wash their hands, they spread disease. Without a reliable water‑based toilet system, personal hygiene and sanitation suffer, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and disease. Common NTDs include hookworm, schistosomiasis, ascariasis, snakebite, lymphatic filariasis, and leprosy.
The government’s role, especially at the state level where these diseases are most prevalent, is to move beyond policy formulation to active implementation and funding. While the federal government establishes guidelines, states must support and finance interventions, providing annual allocations for programs such as reactive case detection. This approach involves identifying a case in a hospital, tracing contacts to the patient’s home, testing others, and treating infections early to prevent further spread. States need accurate data on NTD prevalence and must develop strategic, evidence‑based responses.
At the Center, researchers focus on developing new diagnostics and improving drug efficacy through Ph.D. projects and collaborations with other institutions. High‑quality research is cost‑effective, and the center is currently seeking funding to ensure its ideas remain competitive and beneficial for the country. If NTDs remain untreated, the consequences are severe: children may suffer from stunted growth, poor school performance, and long‑term health complications, increasing the overall disease burden.
Prof. Oyibo emphasized that government support should extend to providing an enabling environment for research, such as annual financial assistance and sponsorship. In many affected regions, interventions are lacking, and chronic exposure to certain NTDs can lead to serious conditions like cancer. Effective communication with communities is essential—providing clear messages, listening to concerns, and fostering habits that promote health.
Academia’s role in combating NTDs involves shifting from passive to active, solution‑oriented research. The Center conducts active research to generate data and evidence on the effectiveness of medicines, allowing for timely adjustments when treatments fail. Researchers also catalyze innovation through knowledge management and encourage private‑sector participation in the supply chain, all aimed at achieving the 2030 elimination goal.
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