This component of the Prevention Plus (P+) project is designed to increase awareness on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and their preventive mechanism through a monthly spotlight series on NTDs in Nigeria. The Following NTDs will be spotlighted:
- Onchocerciasis (River Blindness)
- Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis)
- Soil Transmitted Helminth (Intestinal Worms)
- Trachoma
- Schistosomiasis (Snail Fever)
- Hansen Disease (Leprosy)
- Buruli Ulcer (Bairnsdale)
- Human African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness)
- Snakebite envenoming
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are communicable diseases associated with poverty and prevalent in areas that have poor sanitation, inadequate or no safe water sources and substandard housing conditions. NTDs are estimated to affect over one billion people in the world, majority of who are living in developing countries. In Nigeria, it is estimated that 122 Million persons are at risk of one or more of these NTDs.
However, knowledge of NTDs and control efforts in Nigeria remain low. A study that sampled respondents in Abuja, Nigeria revealed this inference. Onchocerciasis was the disease respondents showed the highest knowledge about with 50.8%. Less than 25% had knowledge of leprosy control, trachoma, soil-transmitted helminths infection and schistosomiasis. This number was fewer for other NTDs including leishmaniasis (6.1%), Buruli ulcer (6.9%), and Chagas diseases (8.5%).