Ebonyi, Carter Center Treat Over 1.5 Million Residents for Neglected Tropical Diseases
By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Ebonyi State Government, in partnership with The Carter Center, has provided treatment to over 1.5 million residents for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the past year, recording a major milestone in its drive to improve public health across the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, announced this on Friday in Abakaliki during a press briefing held to commemorate the 2026 World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day.
Although World NTD Day is globally observed every January 30, Ebonyi State marked the event on February 13 to showcase ongoing efforts and achievements in the fight against the diseases.
The annual event serves as an international platform to galvanise support and action against a group of preventable and treatable diseases that mainly affect vulnerable populations, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Ekuma stated that the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has placed healthcare at the forefront of its People’s Charter of Needs agenda, emphasising that no resident should continue to suffer from preventable or treatable illnesses.
He identified the common NTDs in Ebonyi to include lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), onchocerciasis (river blindness), schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths (intestinal worms). He noted that the state’s largely agrarian environment and closeness to water bodies had previously made it endemic to many of these diseases.
“In the last year alone, we successfully treated over 1.5 million Ebonyians through school- and community-based deworming campaigns and other NTD interventions,” Ekuma said.
He further disclosed that Nigeria has achieved a 49 per cent reduction in soil-transmitted helminths and a 75 per cent drop in schistosomiasis in several surveyed areas, adding that Ebonyi contributed significantly to the national progress through sustained Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM).
Beyond preventive drug distribution, Ekuma explained that the ministry has strengthened care services for individuals already living with NTD-related complications. Hydrocele surgeries have been scaled up, while caregivers are being trained in lymphedema management to enhance patients’ wellbeing.
To curb transmission, the Ministry of Health is collaborating with the Ministry of Water Resources to improve water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) initiatives, including prioritising borehole projects in high-burden local government areas.
As part of the commemoration, officials from the ministry and representatives of The Carter Center carried out a sensitisation campaign across major streets in Abakaliki, educating residents on prevention and encouraging them to access free medications.
The commissioner called on the public to support health workers by accepting the free drugs and reporting symptoms such as abnormal limb swelling or persistent skin irritation at the nearest health facility.
“By addressing neglected tropical diseases, we are safeguarding the future of our children and strengthening the prosperity of our state,” he said.
A representative of The Carter Center reaffirmed the organisation’s resolve to continue supporting Ebonyi until the diseases are fully eliminated. She noted that the non-profit, founded by former United States President Jimmy Carter, remains committed to NTD control in Nigeria alongside other humanitarian initiatives worldwide.
She pledged sustained support for hydrocele surgeries, lymphedema care and mass drug distribution, stressing the need for consistent political commitment and community involvement.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Ezeogo Lawrence, and the State NTD Coordinator, Dr. Itumo Daniel, praised The Carter Center for its steady and impactful contributions in the state.
Daniel revealed that an ongoing Coverage Evaluation Survey conducted by independent assessors from outside Ebonyi is aimed at measuring the success of previous mass drug administration campaigns and shaping future strategies.
He added that the 2026 theme, “Unite to Act Towards Elimination of NTDs,” aligns with the WHO 2030 roadmap and reflects a transition from disease control to complete eradication.
“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.
