Stakeholders in Nigeria have urged philanthropists to contribute funds towards eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases to meet the 2030 target. This call was made at an NTDs roundtable meeting in Abuja to mark Sightsavers’ 70th anniversary in the country.

According to The PUNCH,  the Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike while speaking at the event, emphasised the need for increased funding to combat NTDs and improve public health outcomes effectively.

“We need to have a strong investment case and foster inter-sectoral collaboration to address these diseases,” Dr. Anyaike stated. “We should also plan our budget for next year by gathering data to support adequate allocation towards NTD elimination.”

Dr. Fatai Oyediran, the NTD national Coordinator at the ministry, highlighted existing strategies to mobilize funding from local resources. He called on prominent philanthropists such as Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Emeka Offor, and T.Y. Danjuma to support the government’s efforts in eliminating NTDs from Nigeria.

Sunday Isiyaku, Country Representative of Sightsavers, an organization dedicated to preventing blindness and promoting disability inclusion, acknowledged the organization’s progress in NTD elimination, improving eye health, and strengthening disability rights in Nigeria.

“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,” Isiyaku affirmed. “So much has already been achieved in all areas, but today is also about looking forward and galvanizing momentum for what still needs to be done.”

Isiyaku revealed that a cost estimate of $18.2 million has been identified to support elimination efforts in several Nigerian states.

“Just under $7 million has been pledged by existing donors,” Isiyaku explained. “Sightsavers plans to commit over $5 million for trachoma elimination in Nigeria through 2030, which we aim to secure through public fundraising. We estimate a further $5.8 million to ensure all activities in Nigeria are funded. If we can secure this funding, we expect more between now and 2028.”