Nigeria records major gains against scrotum-swelling disease

Nigeria is recording significant progress in the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), particularly lymphatic filariasis (LF), which causes painful swelling of body parts, including hydrocele in men, health stakeholders said on Friday to mark World NTD Day.
LF, also known as elephantiasis when it affects the limbs, remains a public health concern in Nigeria, with the World Health Organization estimating that about 110 million people are still at risk. Between 10 and 15 per cent of affected men are believed to be living with hydrocele, a condition that often leads to stigma, loss of income and social isolation.
While elephantiasis has no cure, experts say proper care can reduce its impact, and hydrocele can be successfully treated through surgery.
An international non-governmental organisation, Sightsavers, said it is supporting the Federal Ministry of Health to eliminate LF through a programme funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The initiative includes mass drug administration to stop transmission, training of health workers and patients on lymphoedema management, and the provision of free hydrocele surgeries carried out by specially trained surgeons.
Since the programme began in 2024, 96 surgeons have been trained and 3,343 men have received free, life-changing hydrocele operations. In addition, 1,737 patients and caregivers have been trained on lymphoedema management.
Sharing beneficiaries’ experiences, Sightsavers highlighted the story of Samaila Musa, a 55-year-old farmer from Kaduna State, who lived with hydrocele for two decades. After suffering complications from an unsafe procedure by an unqualified practitioner, Musa underwent a complex surgery by trained surgeons. He said the intervention restored his dignity and allowed him to return to normal life.
In Benue State, two brothers — retired lecturer Bem Bajah, 65, and public servant Bajah Terfa Robert, 56 — both benefited from the programme after struggling with embarrassment and discomfort caused by the condition. They expressed relief and gratitude following their successful surgeries.
Similarly, Sanusi Aliyu, a 45-year-old farmer from Kebbi State, said the free surgery lifted a heavy financial and emotional burden, while Abdulrafiu Sani, 65, from Kaduna State, described his recovery from bilateral hydrocele as a rebirth after years of silent suffering.
Speaking on the impact of the programme, Cynthia Rowe, Head of Development Cooperation at the British High Commission in Abuja, said neglected tropical diseases deprive people of health, dignity and livelihoods despite being preventable and treatable.
She said the UK, working with the Nigerian government and partners such as Sightsavers, remains committed to supporting efforts that deliver life-changing care and restore the dignity of affected persons.
Also speaking, Sightsavers’ Country Director, Prof. Joy Shuaibu, said the testimonies underscore why the fight against NTDs must remain a national and global priority.
She noted that beyond physical pain, the diseases erode livelihoods and self-worth, adding that strong partnerships are helping to restore health, rebuild confidence and enable affected individuals to live productive lives.
Sightsavers said it will continue to collaborate with government institutions, international partners and local communities to eliminate NTDs in Nigeria by strengthening health systems, supporting safe surgical care and integrating NTD interventions into broader health programmes.