During an NTDs roundtable meeting in Abuja to commemorate Sightsavers’ 70th anniversary in Nigeria, stakeholders called on philanthropists to contribute funds to aid the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and meet the 2030 target in the country.
Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, the Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized that increased funding is essential for eliminating NTDs, enhancing health outcomes, and preventing mortality and morbidity.
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Anyaike said, “We need to have an investment case and inter-sectoral collaboration needed to address these diseases.
We should also plan on our budget for next year by coming up with data to propel allocation towards the elimination of NTDs.”
Dr. Fatai Oyediran, the NTDs National Coordinator at the ministry, highlighted existing strategies to mobilize funding from local resources for NTD elimination and called on philanthropists such as Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Emeka Offor, T.Y. Danjuma, and others to support the government’s efforts in eliminating these diseases.
Sightsavers’ Isiyaku noted the organization’s significant progress towards NTDs elimination, enhancing eye health, and promoting disability rights in Nigeria.
Isiyaku affirmed, “We are committed to a future where people are no longer at risk from NTDs, everyone has access to quality eye care, and people with disabilities can thrive in an inclusive society.
“So much has already been achieved in all areas, but today is also about looking forwards and galvanising momentum for what still needs to be done.”
Isiyaku, however, revealed that strategies are in place to secure an estimated $18.2 million to support elimination efforts in several states in Nigeria, with pledges of just under $7 million from existing donors.
Sightsavers plans to commit over $5 million for trachoma elimination in Nigeria through 2030, aiming to secure this through public fundraising, and an additional $5.8 million is estimated to ensure all activities in Nigeria are funded through 2028, contingent on securing the required funding.
