Niger government has reaffirmed its commitment to the elimination of neglected tropical diseases as the state records 11 cases of Buruli ulcer.

Murtala Muhammad-Bagana, the commissioner for health in Niger, said this during a press conference to commemorate the 2026 World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day in Minna on Friday.

The event was organised by Niger’s health ministry in collaboration with Mission to Save the Helpless.

Mr Bagana said that the state had taken immediate steps to respond to suspected cases of Buruli ulcer reported in some wards of Munya LGA.

He said preliminary findings indicated that the suspected cases were not new, as the affected individuals had been living with the condition for some time and had attempted treatment without success before reporting to the authorities.

He said the World Health Organisation had already pre-positioned drugs for treatment, while laboratory analysis of collected samples was ongoing to confirm the diagnosis.

Mr Bagana, however, said the state remained resolute in achieving the 2030 NTD elimination target through sustained interventions, strong partnerships and community participation.

He described NTDs as parasitic and bacterial infections closely linked to poverty, poor sanitation, unsafe water and weak health infrastructure, adding that they perpetuate cycles of poverty and social exclusion.

He announced that Guinea worm disease had been successfully eliminated in the state and across Nigeria, describing the achievement as evidence that NTD elimination was attainable with strong political will, sustained investment and effective partnerships.

Mr Bagana said the state had fully aligned with the WHO roadmap for NTD control and elimination, particularly through Preventive Chemotherapy, disease mapping, and consistent annual mass administration of medicines.

According to him, trachoma prevalence has reduced significantly from 11.8 per cent to 0.2 per cent in Kontagora and Rafi local government areas, while 16 out of 21 LGAs endemic for onchocerciasis had passed epidemiological evaluations.

He added that 18 of the 19 LGAs endemic for lymphatic filariasis passed pre-transmission assessment surveys, while 10 LGAs successfully passed transmission assessment surveys by the end of 2025.

The commissioner further disclosed that the state recorded 100 per cent geographical coverage for all targeted NTD elimination interventions between 2019 and 2025, with surveillance activities remaining robust.

Mr Bagana said Niger had also strengthened the integration of NTD and water, sanitation and hygiene interventions in Bosso, Gurara, Agaie, Lavun, Gbako and Paikoro LGAs, while training volunteer hygiene promoters and frontline health workers.

He commended Governor Umaru Bago for his unwavering support for the health sector, noting that the New Niger Agenda prioritised equitable, affordable and accessible healthcare.

Ibrahim Idris, the director of public health, said the commemoration was aimed at raising awareness and educating communities on the prevention and control of NTDs.

Francisca Dlamiju, the executive director of MITOSATH, commended the state government and partners for sustained collaboration, stressing the need for continuous public awareness as Niger edges closer to eliminating NTDs.

Also speaking, Aliyu Suleiman, WHO state coordinator, said 16 NTDs were endemic in Nigeria, five of which were treatable with drugs, while others required hospital care.

He said Niger was making remarkable progress despite challenges, noting that NTDs had low mortality but high morbidity, and disclosed that 11 cases of Buruli ulcer were recorded in Munya LGA.

(NAN)