Stakeholders have asked benefactors to contribute cash to the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Nigeria in order to reach the 2030 aim.
The request was made at an NTDs roundtable conference in Abuja to commemorate Sightsavers’ 70th anniversary in Nigeria.
Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, stated that greater monies will aid in the elimination of NTDs, improving health status, and preventing mortality and morbidity in the country.
“We need an investment case and inter-sectoral collaboration to address these diseases,” Anyaike added.
” We should also plan on our budget for next year by coming up with data to propel allocation towards the elimination of NTDs.”
Also, the NTDs National Coordinator at the ministry, Dr. Fatai Oyediran, noted that strategies were already in place to mobilise funding from local resources to eliminate NTDs in the country.
Oyediran, therefore, called on philanthropists like Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Emeka Offor, T.Y. Danjuma and others to support the government in eliminating the diseases in the country.
Sightsavers Country Representative, Sunday Isiyaku, said the organisation has made remarkable progress towards NTDs elimination, improving eye health and boosting disability rights in the country.
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 were in place to a cost estimate of $18.2m to support elimination in several states in Nigeria.
“Just under $7 million has been pledged by existing donors. Sightsavers plans to commit over $5m for trachoma elimination in Nigeria through 2030, which we aim to secure through public fundraising.
” We estimate a further $5.8 to ensure all activities in Nigeria are funded through if we can secure this funding we expect more between now and 2028,” he said.