Benue Government Allocates ₦700 Million to Eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases Across State
The Benue State Government has committed ₦700 million to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) as part of a coordinated strategy to eradicate these infections by 2030.
The announcement was made during the 2025 Annual Review and Planning Meeting on Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis (Oncho/FL), organized by Sightsavers in collaboration with the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services.
The two-day meeting, held in Makurdi, brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, civil society, and the health sector to assess progress and strengthen plans to fight NTDs.
According to health officials, the diseases being targeted include:
- Onchocerciasis (River Blindness) – endemic in all 23 LGAs
- Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis) – prevalent in 16 LGAs
- Intestinal Worms – present in 18 LGAs
- Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) – found in 22 LGAs
As part of the intervention, the government, through the Benue State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (BEWASA), has constructed motorized boreholes and VIP latrines in schools and public facilities across 22 LGAs.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Mathew Nyamve, NTDs Focal Person for BEWASA, emphasized that access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is essential in the elimination of NTDs.
He disclosed that Governor Hyacinth Alia approved and released ₦700 million for three core initiatives under BEWASA, in partnership with UNICEF, the P-WASH program, and Self Help Africa.
“This investment is a clear signal of the state’s commitment to eradicating NTDs. With improved WASH infrastructure and inter-agency collaboration, we are closer to eliminating these diseases that have plagued our communities for decades,” Nyamve said.
Benue’s effort aligns with global goals to eradicate NTDs and improve quality of life for vulnerable populations, particularly in rural areas.
