The Nigerian economy will add approximately USD 19 billion dollars in increased productivity if the country continues to stay on track to meet its 2030 elimination targets for neglected tropical diseases, according to a new study produced by Deloitte and commissioned by the END Fund.
A fundamental commitment of the UN Global Goals and the sustainable development agenda is to “leave no one behind”. To understand the benefits of taking a “leave no one behind” approach to NTDs, the END Fund commissioned Deloitte to prepare an economic impact study on the elimination of the five most common neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria. The report’s main objective is to holistically present the key economic and social benefits of eliminating the five most prevalent NTDs in Nigeria by 2030, including long-term financial returns and a cost benefit assessment of elimination programs.
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 primarily on the five most common NTDs in Nigeria, namely, lymphatic filariasis; onchocerciasis (river blindness); schistosomiasis (snail fever); soil-transmitted helminths (STH, intestinal worms); trachoma.
The study analysis shows 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 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. The executive summary and full versions of the report can be found on https://www2.deloitte.com/za/en/nigeria/pages/strategy/articles/Ending_The_Neglect.html.
According to Oyetola Oduyemi, the END Fund’s Senior Director for Public Affairs, “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.”
The report was launched on World NTD Day (30th of January 2023), a global health day recognized by WHO that is dedicated to commemorating the progress made against NTDs. The event was graced by the Honourable Minister of Health in Nigeria, Dr Osagie Ehanire and Minister of State for Health, Hon. Ekumankama Joseph Nkama. The coordinators of the project have promised to keep the general public informed about further discussions on the report findings. People within and outside the public health space engaged with the report to share their thoughts with the project sponsors.
The END Fund
The END Fund is the only private philanthropic initiative solely dedicated to ending the most common neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Since our founding in 2012, the END Fund has worked with our partners to provide more than a billion treatments.
Deloitte
Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com about to learn more about our global network of member firms. Deloitte provides audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services to public and private clients spanning multiple industries. Deloitte & Touche is the oldest indigenous firm in Nigeria, established in 1952 by Mr. Akintola Williams, FCA, CFR, CBE, the doyen of the accountancy profession.
