Nigeria Surpasses WHO Benchmarks in Neglected Tropical Disease Elimination

Nigeria has recorded a major public health breakthrough, surpassing key World Health Organization (WHO) benchmarks in the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), following the successful close-out of a Gates Foundation–supported intervention targeting Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) and Onchocerciasis.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, announced this in Abuja at the Gates Foundation Close-Out Ceremony and Virtual Results Presentation Meeting.

Dr. Salako said the Elimination of LF and Onchocerciasis Assessment to Stop Ivermectin Treatment project, which began in 2022 and concluded in September 2025, was initially planned as a 17 month programme but was extended at no additional cost to ensure sustainable and impactful outcomes.

He commended the implementing partners for effectively delivering results despite tight timelines and limited funding.

The Minister explained that the project supported the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in expanding community-based impact and surveillance surveys across several Local Government Areas.

“These surveys informed evidence-based decisions to stop Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM), significantly reducing both the geographic spread and the number of Nigerians requiring Ivermectin treatment for the two diseases.”

According to him, the Gates Foundation approved about 4.9 million dollars for the project and appointed Sightsavers as grant managers.

“The initiative conducted extensive epidemiological, entomological and transmission assessment surveys across multiple states, while the initial target was to remove 27 million Nigerians from Ivermectin treatment, the outcome exceeded expectations, with 31.1 million people no longer requiring treatment for Lymphatic Filariasis and 16 million no longer needing treatment for Onchocerciasis.”

Dr. Salako noted that Nigeria achieved 148 percent of its targets for LF assessments and 150 percent for Onchocerciasis assessments, positioning the country firmly on track to meet the WHO roadmap for ending NTDs by 2030.

He described the achievement as a critical step towards interrupting disease transmission and eventual eradication.

Beyond disease elimination, the Minister highlighted the project’s contribution to strengthening the health system, including the upgrade and capacity building of four laboratories towards ISO 15189 accreditation, training of laboratory technicians and field personnel, development of sample retention and disposal policies, and improved logistics for sample transportation through certified third-party providers.

He expressed appreciation to the Gates Foundation, implementing non-governmental organizations, Sightsavers, state ministries of health, national technical committees, and development partners for their collective efforts.

Dr. Salako reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining the gains achieved and advancing Nigeria’s goal of eliminating neglected tropical diseases nationwide.