47.1m Nigerians No Longer Need Treatment for Elephantiasis, River Blindness — Minister!

47.1m Nigerians No Longer Need Treatment for Elephantiasis, River Blindness — MinisterBy Enock Damidami | Sele Media Africa

Nigeria has made significant progress in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), with 47.1 million Nigerians now no longer in need of treatment for Lymphatic Filariasis (elephantiasis) and Onchocerciasis (river blindness), according to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate. [1]Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Minister said the milestone is a result of years of mass drug administration, improved health education, and robust partnerships with international donor agencies and local health workers. He emphasized that the country is “on a path to eliminating NTDs as public health problems.” [2]Prof. Pate noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Nigeria’s achievement, stating that the 47.1 million people are now considered no longer at risk due to reduced transmission and successful treatment campaigns. This development marks a turning point in national public health efforts, especially in rural communities where these diseases were once endemic. [3]He added that efforts would continue to target the remaining at-risk population, as well as improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, which are key to stopping reinfection.

Citations:1. Channels TV: Nigeria: 47.1m no longer require treatment for elephantiasis, river blindness – Pate — channelstv.com 2. Premium Times: Nigeria records success in NTD fight – 47 million cleared from treatment list — premiumtimesng.com 3. WHO Africa: Progress in elimination of NTDs in Nigeria confirmed by WHO — afro.who.int