The End-Fund, a global philanthropic initiative dedicated to eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), has pledged to extend its financial support for Nigeria’s fight against these diseases until 2030.
Vice president of Programmes at the End-Fund, Dr. Carol Karutu, announced the extension during an on-site evaluation of Nigeria’s ongoing NTD efforts in Abuja.
She emphasised that the organisation is committed to ensuring that the financial aid reaches its intended purpose to help eradicate NTDs.
Since 2013, the End-Fund has mobilised donations from philanthropists and investors worldwide, channelling resources to support Nigeria’s efforts against diseases such as onchocerciasis (river blindness), lymphatic filariasis, and soil-transmitted infections.
Karutu noted that the recent visit aimed to assess progress, strengthen partnerships, and engage stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health and implementing organisations.
“The goal of this meeting is to bring together partners, highlight the value of collaboration, and engage the Ministry of Health, implementing organisations, investors, and communities to achieve the shared objective of ending NTDs,” Karutu said.
The National Onchocerciasis programme manager at the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Chukwuemeka Makata, praised the End-Fund’s impact on reducing avoidable deaths and blindness in the country.
He also called for additional funding to sustain the momentum and fully eliminate NTDs.
Representatives from key partner organisations also shared their experiences working with the End-Fund. Country director of the Helen Keller Foundation, Dr. Aliyu Mohammed acknowledged the fund’s role in supporting healthcare initiatives across 20 countries, including Nigeria.
“We appreciate the fund’s flexibility and responsiveness, which has been instrumental in our ability to provide healthcare services to Nigerians and beyond,” Mohammed remarked.
Similarly, the executive director of Mission to Save the Helpless (MITOSATH), Dr. Francisca Olamiju, reported that the End-Fund’s support had been effectively utilised in three of the six Nigerian states under her organisation’s mandate, resulting in a significant reduction in the burden of NTDs.
The senior programme manager for NTDs at Christian Blind Mission (CBM), Juliana Amanyi-Enegela, highlighted the success of mass drug administration efforts, which benefited over 500 people suffering from lymphatic filariasis.
She also noted that the partnership had enabled CBM to extend its programmes across Nigeria and other African countries, including Burundi, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan.
With the End-Fund’s renewed commitment through 2030, stakeholders expressed optimism about eliminating NTDs in Nigeria, ensuring healthier communities, and preventing further transmission of these diseases.
The ongoing collaboration, they affirmed, will continue to save lives and support sustainable healthcare outcomes across the country.
