To help Nigeria achieve its 2030 goal, stakeholders have pleaded with philanthropists to donate money for the eradication of neglected tropical diseases.
In honor of Sightsavers’ 70th anniversary in Nigeria, the call was made during an NTDs roundtable conference in Abuja.
Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s Director of Public Health, stated in a statement that increased funding would contribute to the nation’s efforts to eradicate NTDs, enhance health, and lower mortality and morbidity rates.
“To address these diseases, we need to have an investment case and inter-sectoral collaboration,” Anyaike stated.
“We should also develop data to drive allocation toward the elimination of NTDs as we plan our budget for the upcoming year.”
Dr. Fatai Oyediran, the ministry’s national coordinator for non-traditional diseases (NTDs), added that plans had already been made to mobilize funds from regional sources in order to eradicate NTDs from the nation.
Therefore, Oyediran urged benefactors to assist the government in curing the nation’s ailments, including Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Emeka Offor, T.Y. Danjuma, and others.
Sunday Isiyaku, the country representative for Sightsavers, stated that the organization has achieved incredible strides in the eradication of NTDs, enhancing eye health, and advancing disability rights in the nation.
“We are committed to a future where people can live inclusive lives, everyone has access to high-quality eye care, and people with disabilities can no longer be at risk from non-traumatic diseases,” Isiyaku reaffirmed.
“Although so much has already been accomplished in every direction, today is also about looking ahead and gaining momentum for the remaining tasks.”
Isiyaku, however, disclosed that plans were in place to support removal in numerous Nigerian states at an estimated cost of $18.2 million.
Existing contributors have pledged little under $7 million. We hope to raise the $5 million that Sightsavers intends to dedicate to the eradication of trachoma in Nigeria by 2030 through public fundraising.
If we are able to obtain this cash, we anticipate more funding between now and 2028. We estimate an additional $5.8 to ensure that all initiatives in Nigeria are supported,” he stated.
