The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has revealed that over 200 million Nigerians face the risk of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), with 165 million requiring preventive treatment.
Speaking on Monday during the 2025 World NTD Day in Abuja, Dr. Salako attributed the prevalence of NTDs to poverty, poor sanitation, unsafe water supply, and substandard living conditions. He noted that Nigeria accounts for 25% of Africa’s NTD cases, as the continent bears half of the global burden.
Highlighting progress, Dr. Salako said Nigeria eradicated Guinea Worm in 2013 and has reduced trachoma prevalence by 84%. Over 39 million Nigerians no longer need treatment for Lymphatic Filariasis, and Onchocerciasis has been eliminated in two states.
He praised the WHO’s 2021–2030 NTD roadmap and emphasized Nigeria’s updated NTD Master Plan (2023–2027) as a vital advocacy tool to achieve global elimination targets by 2030.
Stakeholders, including CBM Global and IDEA-Nigeria, called for inclusive health strategies and timely access to medication for affected populations, especially vulnerable groups.
