World NTD Day: Collaboration Drives Progress in Nigeria’s Fight Against Lymphatic Filariasis

News | January 30, 2025

In commemoration of World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day, stakeholders in Yobe and Jigawa States, Nigeria, celebrated a major milestone in the progress towards the elimination of lymphatic filariasis. This success was driven by a strong partnership between the government, HANDS (Health And Development Support Programme), CBM Global, and local communities, marking a critical step toward improving health outcomes in affected districts.

Government Commitment to NTDs

Aminu Abdulrahaman, Jigawa State NTD Coordinator, highlighted the government’s pivotal role in the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign. “The government mobilised resources, deployed healthcare workers, and ensured communities were informed and engaged. By integrating NTDs like lymphatic filariasis into health policies and allocating counterpart funding, we’ve prioritised these diseases in our health agenda,” he said.

Sustaining these efforts is central to the government’s strategy. During the two-year post-treatment surveillance phase, the government will continue monitoring, educating communities, and addressing new cases promptly. “We also plan to replicate this success in other regions, using lessons learned to expand the benefits to more communities,” Mr. Abdulrahaman added.

Community Transformation

Alhaji Abdullahi Bawa, a CiSKuLA project participant, shared the profound impact the MDA programme has had on his community. “Before the campaign, many suffered in silence. Now, we are healthier and more hopeful. Families no longer live in fear of the disease,” he stated. Over time, visible improvements in health, such as fewer cases of swollen limbs, have fostered a sense of relief and optimism.

Alhaji Abdullahi underscored the importance of these campaigns, saying, “Without them, many people wouldn’t even know about these diseases, let alone get treated. They bring hope and show that our health matters.”

HANDS’ Role in the Campaign

HANDS played a critical role in collaboration with the state government. Through stakeholder mobilisation, personnel training, advocacy, and a robust monitoring strategy, HANDS ensured high therapeutic and geographic coverage during the MDA campaign. “Effective partnerships like this have brought us closer to eliminating lymphatic filariasis in supported LGAs,” a HANDS representative noted.

CBM Global’s Impact

CBM Global provided essential funding and resources, including support for social and behaviour change communication, community awareness, and capacity building. Reflecting on the milestone, Philip Ode, Programme Manager of CBM Global Nigeria, said, “CBM Global’s role in the NTD elimination drive has been impactful. The visible changes in society [due to our efforts] are remarkable, from strengthening communities and public health systems to respond to shocks and meet the needs of communities that are endemic to NTDs while being deliberate about leaving no one behind in the process.” 

A Collaborative Path Forward

Moving 16 districts into the two-year post-treatment surveillance phase signifies that lymphatic filariasis is no longer a public health threat in these areas. Funds can now be reallocated to related health initiatives. “This progress contributes to the WHO roadmap for NTD elimination and demonstrates the power of partnerships,” said a HANDS representative.

As Nigeria celebrates this achievement, stakeholders reaffirm their commitment to sustaining progress and scaling efforts, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against NTDs.

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