02113nas a2200277   4500000000100000008004100001260004400042653003800086653001100124653001800135653001200153653002000165100001600185700001100201700001500212700001500227700001400242700001100256700001500267245011000282856007300392300000600465490000600471520134400477022001401821       2025                            d  bSpringer Science and Business Media LLC10aNeglected Tropical Diseases (NTD)10aStigma10aMental Health10aNigeria10aNTD Elimination1 aAzubuike PC1 aImo UF1 aOgbonna CK1 aAkinreni T1 aUdofia MD1 aOdo OJ1 aNwadiche M00aTowards neglected tropical diseases elimination in Nigeria: addressing the stigma and mental health nexus  uhttps://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44155-025-00166-9.pdf  a90 v53 a<p>Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a public health challenge in Nigeria, especially within the marginalized populations; millions of people are affected. As much as biomedical interventions go a long way in the elimination of NTDs, stigma from these diseases forms a very strong barrier to care. It has profound mental health implications for affected individuals. Much of this stigma results from cultural myths and fear of contagion, leading to late health-seeking behavior, social isolation, and discrimination. These psychosocial factors, linked to an inadequate response from mental health services, seriously hinder effective treatment and control measures, increasing the burden of the disease. This paper discusses the relationship between stigma and mental health in NTDs and outlines gaps in the current health strategy while providing a comprehensive approach to deal with these pertinent issues. Combating NTDs and stigma requires a multifaceted approach, including training healthcare providers on the legal rights of those affected, community-level stigma reduction to improve health-seeking behaviors, and policy reforms. More importantly, by incorporating mental health services, reducing stigma, and improving health-seeking behavior, Nigeria will be advancing her efforts toward the goals of NTD elimination.</p>
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