Agency
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has canvassed for urgent adoption of a multifaceted strategy to tackle the challenges posed by Neglected Tropical Diseases.
The Director, NTDs Department, Mr Adebayo Peters, made the call at the end of a two-day National Design of Anti-Stigma Activities workshop titled, ‘Strengthening Access to People-Centered Mental Healthcare for People with NTDs in Nigeria’, held in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the workshop was organised and funded by Global Disability Inclusion, and was aimed at developing experience-driven anti-stigma campaigns for skin NTDs.
It is also tailored for community-level adaptation to enhance the capacity of organisations representing persons affected by NTDs.
NAN also reports that NTDs refer to a diverse group of parasitic and bacterial diseases that cause significant morbidity and mortality in more than 1 billion people worldwide, which disproportionately affect the poor and marginalised populations.
It noted that some of the NTDs in Africa are Buruli ulcer, rabies, scabies, leprosy and lymphatic filariasis.
The director, therefore, underscored the importance of holistic approaches encompassing not only medical interventions but social, economic and cultural considerations.
Peters highlighted the interconnection of NTDs with broader societal issues such as mental health, stigma and socio-economic disparities.
He said “Addressing these diseases requires more than just medical treatment. It requires a comprehensive approach that tackles underlying determinants such as poverty, lack of education, and inadequate sanitation infrastructure.”
The director highlighted the fragmented nature of existing healthcare systems as a key challenge in combating NTDs and called for greater collaboration among government, international organisations, civil society groups and the private sector to coordinate resources effectively.
The Programme Officer at CBM Global, Mr James Cleobas, underscored the role of education and community awareness in combating misconceptions surrounding NTDs.
He also stressed the need to dispel mythical beliefs and empower affected individuals to overcome self-stigmatisation.
Cleobas highlighted the significance of integrating individuals with NTDs into public spaces without discrimination and advocated an inclusive healthcare system that caters to both NTDs and non-NTD patients.
The programme officer outlined innovative interventions aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty and NTDs, including economic empowerment initiatives and community engagement campaigns to ensure widespread access to healthcare facilities across the country.
(NAN)
