Nigeria Unveils Roadmap To Eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases By 2030
In a bold move to end one of the country’s most silent public health crises, the Federal Government has launched two strategic policy tools to accelerate the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria by 2030.
The newly unveiled documents, the Strategic Framework and Implementation Guidelines for NTDs-WASH and the Advocacy Strategy and Toolkit for NTDs, were presented 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 Dr Nse Akpan, described the launch as “a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against NTDs,” which currently affects more than 120 million Nigerians, particularly those in communities with poor access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene.
“These diseases are not just health conditions, they entrench poverty, disability and stigma,” she said.
“The framework links WASH services with disease control, while the toolkit equips us to mobilise political will, community ownership and domestic resources.”
The documents are anchored on Nigeria’s NTD Master Plan (2023–2027) and the WASH Roadmap (2021–2030), integrating health, water resources, education and environmental efforts.
Development partners, including UNICEF, Sightsavers, CBM, MITOSATH, Helen Keller International, Evidence Action and the Carter Centre were recognised for their support in developing the strategies.
Stakeholders at the meeting emphasised that stronger surveillance, adequate financing, and cross-sectoral collaboration will be critical to eliminating diseases such as trachoma, schistosomiasis and lymphatic filariasis.
Dr Margaret Mafe, Chairman of the NTD-WASH Subcommittee, warned that Nigeria must urgently scale up its interventions.
Wh said, “WASH improvements are not optional; they are critical to eliminating NTDs and their success depends on collaboration, investment, and the effective use of advocacy tools to drive change.”
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to achieving the 2030 elimination target, urging states, local governments, and communities to transform strategies into concrete results for healthier lives.
