Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) is a general term used to describe certain diseases affecting mainly the low and middle income countries.

These eradicable diseases continue to plague some countries of the world including Nigeria. Some conditions that favoured the continued existence of NTDs include poverty, illiteracy, poor awareness of prevention measures, poor social amenities and weak health systems notably in the low and middle income countries.

NTDs include filariasis(transmitted by mosquitoes), Schistosomiasis (River Blindness), Buruli Ulcer (known as Atuere in Igboland), snake bites, Trachoma, Guinea worm, Leprosy, common childhood worms (Hookworm, Whipworm, Threadworms) and a few other diseases

Nigeria is affected by NTDs. The Eastern, Northern and Central parts of Nigeria are endemic for filariasis ad schistosomiasis. Snakes bites are more prevalent in Northern Nigeria while the South-south zones still have leprosy colonies.

International Agencies and Governments which include the Jimmy-Carter Centre, USAIDs, EnVision RTI International, the Federal Ministry of Health of Nigeria and UNICEF have expert teams of health professionals that provide care to affected communities mostly free of charge.  Affected individuals are encouraged to contact their State Ministries of Health for contact information of their respective NTDs Coordinator.

Please see the contact details of the NTDs Co-ordinators for the 5 Eastern States of Nigeria.

Abia-08032551877
Enugu – 08037455907
Ebony -08039325146
Anambra – 08068816976
Imo-08037662775 

Crystalife will continue to liaise with State Co-ordinators and relevant International Agencies to advocate for complete eradication of NTDs in Nigeria.