Experts from Neglected Tropical Diseases Elimination Programme, of the Federal Ministry of Health, Monday warned that 122 million Nigerians were at risk Neglected Tropical Diseases.

The National Coordinator of the programme, Dr Chukwuma Anyaike, who is also a Director in the Ministry gave the warning at a two-day Media Dialogue on Neglected Tropical Diseases Control in Nigeria organised by United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with Child Rights Information Bureau, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He said Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) were aiding and promoting poverty spread in Nigeria, reducing the productivity of the affected citizens and causing poverty.

Anyaike said adequate attention was not given to NTD because it affected the poor people, lamenting that when the diseases render those affected unproductive, their dependants suffer and poverty gains more ground.

Anyaike appealed to government at all levels to pay more attention to NTD and increase budget for it so as to save lives, banish poverty and improve the economy.

He also urged the media to raise awareness of NTD by sensitising the people about it. Anyaike appealed to all stakeholders to support the efforts to eliminate NTD, saying no investment on NTD was a waste.

The Programme Manager, Dr Nicholas Olobio, also warned that NTD portend danger to the citizens and must be eliminated without delay.

A Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Specialist with UNICEF, Mr. Bioye Ogunjobi, said adherence to proper hygiene and safe sanitation, including use of toilet, regular hand-washing and clean environment could assist in eliminating NTD.

UNICEF Communication Specialist, Dr. Geoffrey Njoku, said the meeting was aimed at equipping journalists with useful information about NTD to enable them sensitise the public about it.

Njoku urged participants to mainstream the issues around NTD to attract attention and propmt necessary actions going forward.

The Deputy Director, Child Rights Information Bureau, spoke on behalf of the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. He said that the Federal Government is committed to eliminating NTD and ensuring good health for all citizens.

•NTD Programme Coordinator, Dr Chukwuma Anyaike, speaking during the event

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