The Federal Government, Sightsavers Nigeria, and other non‑governmental organisations are developing a national guideline for the management of morbidity and disability caused by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the country. NTDs comprise a diverse group of 20 conditions that are primarily prevalent in tropical areas, affecting more than one billion people living in impoverished communities. These diseases are caused by a variety of pathogens—including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins—and they produce devastating health, social, and economic consequences.
Nigeria is one of the most endemic countries in the world for NTDs. Speaking at the Sightsavers Nigeria morbidity management and disability prevention meeting in Abuja, Nse Akpan, National Coordinator of the NTDs Programme of the Federal Ministry of Health, said the forthcoming guidelines aim to eliminate lymphatic filariasis—commonly known as elephantiasis—and other NTDs. “We want to ensure that the guidelines address the burden of the disease on people and work towards its interruption and elimination,” Akpan explained. “The global community’s goal is to eliminate these diseases so that people are not infected or left with a disability. Early interruption will reduce the burden of disability.”
Akpan identified poor sanitation, misconceptions, and the association of NTDs with myths, spiritual attacks, or superstitions as major challenges to elimination. He emphasized the need for access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, community sensitisation, and full implementation of the new guidelines. “Prevention varies: some diseases are prevented with drugs, others with hygiene and sanitation packages. The disease is more common among the poor, in slums, shanties, and unhygienic environments. We educate people on maintaining hygiene, practising sanitation, and seeking treatment and drugs when infected,” he said.
Anita Gwom, Senior Program Manager for NTDs at Sightsavers Nigeria, added that the guideline will enable stakeholders to implement programmes aimed at eliminating NTDs. “It is important because we have a target and a timeline for eliminating lymphatic filariasis in Nigeria by 2030. We hope all states will have eliminated the disease in every endemic local government area, in line with the global target,” Gwom said. She also stressed the need for greater enlightenment to reduce disease prevalence and to stop the stigmatisation of persons with disabilities caused by NTDs. “At the community level, stigma affects persons with disabilities due to these diseases. We create awareness and deliver quality services; when we do that, patients often return as advocates to support the elimination of NTDs.”
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