The Kaduna State Government says over 5 million people in the state are at the risk of river blindness and other neglected tropical diseases, (NTDs), in the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Umma Ahmad, disclosed this during an event to commemorate the World Neglected Tropical Disease Day 2024 in Kaduna.
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Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, Umma Ahmad, noted that the state government has been collaborating with stakeholders, particularly non-governmental organisations, to address the situation.
Umma explained that the Kaduna State government is currently charting a new course of community engagement, to tackle NTDs for sustainable development.
The Commissioner further said that Nigeria has the second highest burden of NTDs in the world, and contributes the highest burden in Africa, with over 120 million people living at risk.
January 30 has been set aside by the World Health Organization, to raise awareness of the global burden of NTDs, which affect more than 1 billion people.
Editor: Ena Agbanoma
