Sightsavers Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to boost domestic funding for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), warning that a decline in foreign aid could undermine progress in tackling the illnesses.
The advocacy group said that NTDs—such as lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis and onchocerciasis—continue to afflict large numbers of Nigerians, especially in rural communities. It argued that without increased national investment, the country risks falling behind global targets for disease control and elimination.
According to Sightsavers, international support for NTD programmes has been steadily shrinking, leaving a funding gap that could hamper prevention, treatment and research efforts. The organization urged the government to step up its contribution to ensure sustained access to essential medicines and health services.
While the group did not provide specific figures, it highlighted the need for a more reliable and locally sourced budget to maintain the momentum of ongoing public‑health initiatives aimed at reducing the burden of these often-overlooked diseases.
Sightsavers Nigeria’s appeal comes at a time when many African nations are reassessing their health priorities amid shifting global aid dynamics. The organisation’s call for greater domestic investment is intended to secure a long‑term, resilient strategy for combating NTDs across the country.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
