During an event in Gusau to mark the 7th World NTD Day, celebrated globally on January 30 since 2020, the commissioner, represented by Permanent Secretary Mallam Bashir Surajo, highlighted the severe impact of NTDs. Worldwide, these diseases contribute to approximately 530,000 deaths and over 60 million disability-adjusted life years annually. In Nigeria, common NTDs include Trachoma (a blinding disease), Onchocerciasis (River Blindness), Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis), Schistosomiasis, and Soil-transmitted Helminths (intestinal worms).
NTDs affect nearly 2 billion people globally, with the highest prevalence in rural areas, impoverished urban communities, and conflict zones. Beyond health complications, they hinder education and economic opportunities, while the associated stigma further devastates affected individuals and their communities.
In Zamfara State, efforts to combat NTDs have seen progress. With support from partners like Sightsavers, the state has interrupted the transmission of River Blindness in six previously endemic local governments: Bukkuyum, Anka, Maru, Bungudu, Tsafe, and Zurmi. Additionally, Trachoma is now under control in areas like Bungudu, Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Tsafe, and Zurmi, eliminating the need for preventive drug treatment.
All 14 local governments in Zamfara, previously endemic for Lymphatic Filariasis, have achieved effective treatment coverage through mass drug administration and are now undergoing pre-transmission assessment surveys. In 2024, over 1.3 million school-aged children received praziquantel tablets to treat and prevent Bilharziasis (Bloody Urine).
The state government, under Governor Dauda Lawal, remains committed to improving healthcare by strengthening systems, recruiting qualified health workers, and upgrading infrastructure. The commissioner expressed determination to eliminate NTDs in Zamfara by 2030, aligning with the World Health Organization’s roadmap.
