A new study has shown that Nigeria’s economy will add approximately $19 billion in increased productivity “if the country stays on track to meet its 2030 elimination targets for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).”
END Fund’s senior director for public affairs, Oyetola Oduyemi, said: “The report is designed to galvanise a concerted effort by the public, private and philanthropic sectors of the country and sub-region to elevate NTDs in public health systems, increase the domestic resource envelope for NTDs and to influence policy making that will effectuate these objectives; in working to achieve the indicated potential benefits of achieving the WHO NTD Roadmap 2030 on disease control and elimination.”
Neglected tropical diseases are a group of parasitic and bacterial diseases that affect predominantly economically disadvantaged groups. The diseases are often chronic and cause severe symptoms that significantly hinder the ability of an individual to lead an independent life. The study focused on the five most common NTDs in Nigeria, namely, lymphatic filariasis; onchocerciasis (river blindness); schistosomiasis (snail fever); soil-transmitted helminths (STH, intestinal worms) and trachoma.
Study showed that, in Africa, the share of the population suffering from NTDs is negatively related to wealth, meaning that as countries develop their economies, they become better at handling NTDs through investment. Additionally, the elimination of NTDs is correlated with good educational outcomes. Studies also suggest a bidirectional causative relationship between the two, eliminating the diseases and advancing education.
The gains would also continue beyond 2030, as individuals who are cured or avoid infection live more productive and fulfilling lives. Additional economic benefits include avoided out-of-pocket expenses, freed-up productivity of caregivers, and gains due to increased school attendance.
SOURCE: THE SUN