30 million Nigerians treated against river blindness, lymphatic filariasis —Govt

The federal government says nearly 30 million Nigerians have received ivermectin treatment as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate two major Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs): Onchocerciasis (commonly known as River Blindness) and Lymphatic Filariasis.

Godwin Ntadom, director of public health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW), made this known on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ meeting on NTDs in Abuja.

“Through our collective efforts, Nigeria continues to record steady progress in the fight against Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis,” Ntadom said.

He disclosed that the transmission of Lymphatic Filariasis had been interrupted in 379 local government areas (LGAs), while the Onchocerciasis Elimination Programme had halted disease transmission in nine states and achieved complete elimination in two.

“About 30 million Nigerians have been weaned off treatment with ivermectin, leading to significant savings and relief for at-risk populations,” he added.

Fatai Oyediran, director and national coordinator of the NTD Division at the ministry, acknowledged the contributions of global partners, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Sightsavers.

He confirmed that Nigeria’s NTD burden is largely driven by Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis.

“To date, we have eliminated Onchocerciasis in two states and interrupted transmission in nine others. Additionally, nine more states are in advanced stages of implementation and may interrupt transmission before the end of 2025,” Oyediran said.

He, however, identified several ongoing challenges, such as supply chain disruptions for medications, lack of diagnostic tools, funding gaps, and insecurity in parts of the country.

He also emphasised the need for national ownership, transparency, and accountability in the programme’s implementation.

Originally scheduled to end in February 2025, Oyediran said the programme has now been extended to September 2025 to allow for thorough impact assessments.

“By then, around 32 million people are expected to no longer require treatment under the project,” he said.

Mrs Anita Gwom, programme director at Sightsavers Nigeria, said the organisation has supported endemic communities for over two decades through the provision of medicines and preventive healthcare.

“We are now focusing on conducting impact assessments and surveys. These are critical to determining whether Nigeria can declare these diseases eliminated. We cannot continue indefinite treatment without proper data,” she said.

Gwom urged increased support from the Nigerian government and local philanthropists, warning that reliance on foreign donors may not be sustainable.

“We urge the Nigerian government and philanthropic community to step up support towards achieving NTD elimination,” she added.