FMOH, Bauchi Govt move to Eliminate Tropical Diseases Before 2030 WHO Target

By Samuel Luka,
Bauchi

The Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) has announced plans to tackle neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) ahead of the World Health Organization’s 2030 elimination target, part of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 3.3.

Speaking at a media dialogue on NTDs jointly organized by FMOH, Bauchi State Government, and supported by UNICEF, the Northeast NTD Coordinator Hauwa Abubakar said the event aimed to engage the media on raising awareness on the “negative impact” of diseases such as elephantiasis, blindness, bilharzia, and others.

“Many people blame these curable and preventable diseases on witchcraft simply because of lack of knowledge,” Abubakar said, adding that strengthening Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices—avoiding contaminated water, ending open defecation, and improving hygiene, could go a long way toward ending NTDs.

She commended federal and Bauchi state governments, UNICEF, and donor partners for their efforts and urged media practitioners to help spread the message of proper sanitation and safe water use.

In his presentation, Dr. Hilary Adie, National NTD Consultant, UNICEF Abuja, stressed the need for the creation of budget line for the NTDs Elimination activities.

According to him, Planning Commission/Ministry of
Finance should also ensure release of budgeted funds for NTD activities, as well as increase budgetary allocations, and ensure release of
counterpart funds for WASH activities.

He further noted that the Health Service provide competent personnel to implement NTD
activities, and provide policy direction for NTD implementation in the
state/LGAS.

Dr. Hilary also urged the executive arm of the government and policy makers to ensure the provision of a dedicated budget line for NTDs, release of budgeted funds for the provision of water,
sanitation, and hygiene facilities to
avert NTDs.