Stakeholders have called philanthropists to contribute funds towards the eradication of Neglected Tropical Diseases to meet the 2030 target in Nigeria.
Speaking at the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) roundtable meeting in Abuja , the Director of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, said more funds would help in eliminating NTDs, improve health status and prevent mortality and morbidity in the country.
Anyaike said, “We need to have an investment case and inter-sectoral collaboration needed to address these diseases.
” We should also plan on our budget for next year by coming up with data to propel allocation towards the elimination of NTDs.”
On his part, the NTDs National Coordinator at the ministry, Dr. Fatai Oyediran, noted that strategies were already in place to mobilize funding from local resources to eliminate NTDs in the country.
Oyediran, therefore, called on philanthropists to support the government in eliminating the diseases in the country.
“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.
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