Ebonyi Govt. Renews War On NTDs, Deepens Partnership With Carter Center

The Ebonyi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), strengthening collaboration with The Carter Center as part of renewed efforts to improve public health outcomes across the state.

The State Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abakaliki to commemorate the 2026 World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day. Although the global health awareness event is marked annually on January 30, Ebonyi observed it on February 13 to highlight progress and ongoing interventions against the diseases.

Ekuma said the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru has prioritised healthcare under its People’s Charter of Needs agenda, emphasising that preventable and treatable diseases should not threaten the wellbeing of residents. He listed prevalent NTDs in the state to include lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), onchocerciasis (river blindness), schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths, noting that Ebonyi’s agrarian communities and proximity to water bodies have historically increased vulnerability.

According to the commissioner, more than 1.5 million residents were treated within the past year through school-based and community-based deworming campaigns and other interventions.

He added that Nigeria has recorded significant reductions in NTD prevalence in several survey areas, including a 49 per cent drop in soil-transmitted helminths and a 75 per cent decline in schistosomiasis, with Ebonyi contributing to the national progress through sustained Mass Administration of Medicines. Beyond preventive treatment, Ekuma said the Ministry of Health has expanded morbidity management services, intensifying hydrocele surgeries and training caregivers in lymphedema management

to enhance patients’ quality of life. To address the root causes of transmission, he explained that the ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Water Resources to strengthen water, sanitation and hygiene interventions, including the provision of boreholes in identified hotspot communities. As part of activities marking the day, officials of the ministry and representatives of The Carter Center carried out sensitisation campaigns across major streets in Abakaliki, educating residents on preventive measures and encouraging uptake of free medications.

He 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 healthcare facilities. A representative of The Carter Center reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Ebonyi until the diseases are eliminated, pledging continued assistance for hydrocele surgeries, lymphedema management and mass drug distribution.

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Ezeogo Lawrence, and State NTD Coordinator, Dr. Itumo Daniel, commended the organisation’s sustained intervention. Daniel disclosed that a Coverage Evaluation Survey conducted by independent evaluators was ongoing to assess the effectiveness of previous mass drug administration exercises and guide future strategies.

He noted that the 2026 theme aligns with the elimination roadmap of the World Health Organization, signalling a shift from disease control to total eradication. “With unity, decisive action and sustained commitment, Ebonyi State is on track to eliminate neglected tropical diseases and secure a healthier future for all,” Daniel said.