Carter Center, Ebonyi Govt treat over 1.5 million residents for Neglected Tropical Diseases

The Ebonyi State Government, in collaboration with the Carter center, has treated more than 1.5 million residents for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) within the past year, marking a significant stride in the state’s public health campaign.

Moses Ekuma, (Doctor) Commissioner for Health, disclosed this in Abakaliki Friday during a press briefing to commemorate the 2026 World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day.

Although the global health awareness day is observed annually on January 30, Ebonyi marked the event on February 13 to highlight ongoing interventions and progress in combating the diseases.

World NTD Day, serves as a global platform to mobilize action against a group of preventable and treatable diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations in rural and underserved communities.

Ekuma said the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru is  has prioritised healthcare under its People’s Charter of Needs agenda, stressing that no Ebonyi resident should suffer from diseases that can be prevented or treated.

He listed the prevalent NTDs in the state to include lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), onchocerciasis (river blindness), schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths (intestinal worms), noting that Ebonyi’s agrarian setting and proximity to water bodies previously made it endemic for many of the conditions.

“In the last year alone, we successfully treated over 1.5 million Ebonyians through school-based and community-based deworming and other NTD interventions,” Ekuma said.

He explained that Nigeria has recorded a 49 per cent reduction in soil-transmitted helminths and a 75 per cent reduction in schistosomiasis in several survey areas, adding that Ebonyi has contributed to the national progress through sustained Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM).

Beyond preventive treatment, the commissioner noted that the ministry has expanded morbidity management services for persons already living with NTD-related disabilities. According to him, hydrocele surgeries have been intensified, while caregivers are receiving training on lymphedema management to improve patients’ quality of life.

To address the root causes of transmission, Ekuma said the Ministry of Health is working closely with the Ministry of Water Resources to strengthen water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions, including the prioritisation of borehole projects in identified hotspot local government areas.

As part of activities to mark the day, officials of the ministry and representatives of The Carter Center embarked on a sensitisation campaign across major streets in Abakaliki, educating residents on preventive measures and encouraging uptake of free medications.

The commissioner urged residents to cooperate with health workers by accepting free NTD medicines and promptly reporting symptoms such as unusual limb swelling or persistent skin irritation at the nearest healthcare facility.

“By tackling neglected tropical diseases, we are investing in the future of our children and the prosperity of our state,” he said.

Representative of The Carter Center, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Ebonyi State until the diseases are eliminated. She noted that the non-profit organisation, founded by former United States President, focuses on NTD control in Nigeria alongside other humanitarian programmes across the globe.

She pledged continued support for hydrocele surgeries, lymphedema management and mass drug distribution, while emphasising the importance of sustained political will and community participation.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Ezeogo Lawrence, and the State NTD Coordinator, Dr. Itumo Daniel, commended The Carter Center for its consistency and impactful intervention in the state.

Daniel disclosed that a Coverage Evaluation Survey conducted by independent evaluators from outside the state was ongoing to assess the effectiveness of previous mass drug administration exercises and guide future strategies.

He noted that the 2026 theme, “Unite to Act Towards Elimination of NTDs,” aligns with the WHO 2030 roadmap and signals a shift from disease control to total elimination.

“With unity, decisive action and sustained commitment, we are confident that Ebonyi State will eliminate neglected tropical diseases and secure a healthier future for all,” Daniel said.