Thread by @Sightsavers_Pol

.@DFID_UK's new #UKAid programme supports neglected tropical disease elimination and the @TheGlobalGoals. We asked our colleague @yarimaezra about how @Sightsavers and partners will help #BeatNTDs and improve the lives of citizens in 13 of the world’s poorest countries #SDG1

“My name is Ezra Yarima, I’ve been working for Sightsavers since 2015. I am a public health specialist in Nigeria, with a monitoring and evaluation background. I am very passionate about disease management and disability prevention.” #BeatNTDs

“My favourite part of my job is that I know I am making a difference in the lives of people affected by neglected tropical diseases #NTDs. I cherish the smiles I see post-treatment.” #BeatNTDs

Nigeria carries the highest neglected tropical disease #NTD burden in Africa. “The new #UKAid programme is important to accelerate progress to eliminate #NTDs, strengthen health systems and provide funding for disease management and preventing disabilities caused by #NTDs.”

“The neglected tropical disease lymphatic filariasis is a painful parasitic disease that’s carried by mosquitos, and can cause disability if left untreated. The new #UKAid programme will support #LF treatments in Nigeria where over 128 million people are currently at risk.”

#DidYouKnow "disability prevention contributes to #SDG3? #UKAid's new programme will help prevent further disability by delivering preventative treatments against lymphatic filariasis (#LF). And @Sightsavers will carry out over 26,000 curative surgeries under the programme."

@Sightsavers “It’s very important to #eliminate lymphatic filariasis (#LF) due to the painful, life-long conditions infection can lead to. #LF reduces productivity and ability of infected individuals to live life to its fullest, which is key to achieve #SDG3." sightsavers.org/protecting-sig…

“@DFID_UK's new #UKAid programme will ensure the implementation of the Nigerian national neglected tropical disease (#NTDs) masterplan, which outlines a step by step approach to #elimination.” #BeatNTDs

“#UKAid's new programme promotes @TheGlobalGoals #SDG5 and #SDG10 by supporting the inclusion of marginalised groups, by working with women and Disabled People’s Organisations, at the frontline of the programme to eliminate neglected tropical diseases #NTDs.”

@TheGlobalGoals “The consortium of partners under #UKAid's new programme will further strengthen collaboration across non-governmental organisations and governments fighting to eliminate neglected tropical diseases." @DFID_UK @sci_ntds @LSTM_NTDs @MottMac #BeatNTDs sightsavers.org/ascend

This exciting partnership also supports @TheGlobalGoals #SDG17 as it shows that everyone has a part to play in neglected tropical disease elimination #BeatNTDs. Thanks to @yarimaezra for sharing how important #UKAid is for countries like Nigeria. Now let's get to work.