Osun State Ministry of Health in collaboration with Amen Healthcare Foundation and Parasitology Association of Nigeria on Tuesday joined over 250 global civil society advocates, world leaders, Health Experts and policymakers to kick off campaign in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
The World Health Organization, WHO described NTDs as a diverse group of communicable diseases that affect over one billion people of the world’s most marginalized and underserved communities prevalent in the tropical and subtropical conditions in 149 countries.
Speaking during a press conference held in Osogbo to mark the 2024 World NTD Day themed “Unite, Act and Eliminate NTDs”, the State Commissioner for Health, Barr. Jola Akintola disclosed that epidemiological evaluation carried out in 2014 showed 27 out of the 30 Local Government Areas of the State are endemic for schistosomiasis and filariasis, 28 LGAs are endemic for onchocerciasis (River blindness) while all the 30 LGAs were found to be endemic for Soil transmitted helminths.
He added that Osun is moving positively towards eliminating the scourge of NTDs as the State Government with the support of a resident partner, AMEN Health Care Foundation, is conducting regular Mass Administration of Medicines in line with the Federal Ministry of Health elimination programme.
According to him; “Our dear state has her fair share of these Neglected Diseases. Based on a state-wide Epidemiological evaluation carried out in 2014, 27 out of the 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State are endemic for schistosomiasis and filariasis, 28 LGAs are endemic for onchocerciasis (River blindness) while all the 30 LGAs were found to be endemic for Soil transmitted helminths. These four diseases are the ones prevalent in Osun State.
“However, it gladdens my heart to let you know that Osun State is moving positively towards eliminating the scourge of NTDs in the State. The State Government, with the support of our resident partner, AMEN Health Care Foundation, is conducting regular Mass Administration of Medicines (Preventive Chemotherapy NTD medicines): Mectizan, Albendazole, Praziquantel and Mebendazole tablets for the control and elimination of Onchocerciasis, Lymphatic filariasis, Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminths in all the endemic LGAS, in line with the Federal Ministry of Health elimination programme.
“Fifteen LGAs have already passed Lymphatic filariasis Pre-Transmission Assessment Survey which was carried out by the Federal Ministry of Health and the state is now qualified for TAS-1 (Transmission Assessment Survey 1). The burden of onchocerciasis is more limited to the boarder LGAs of the State.
“In the same vein, about one hundred and seventy (170) elephantiasis and eighty-seven (87) hydrocele cases were recorded and being managed. Free Hydrocele surgeries were carried out for 30 beneficiaries with the support from AMEN Health Care Foundation. This is called Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention for people that are down with Lymphatic filariasis.
“Also since 2021, about 4000 people have benefited from free eye screening and more than 2,605 free eye glasses have been distributed in 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Osun State with the support of the partner, Amen Health Care and Empowerment Foundation. This is to ensure good vision and prevent eye blindness. We thank Amen Health Care Foundation for supporting the State Government in this direction.”
The Commissioner however reaffirmed Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration commitment towards ensuring that every citizen, no matter the class, is adequately covered by the quality Health care services, as efforts at eliminating these NTDs will ultimately lead to improved quality of life for everyone, including the less privileged, and even those living in the remotest areas of the State.
“Apart from chemotherapy, personal hygiene is equally important to the elimination of these diseases. To this end in year 2023, the State government, in collaboration with UNICEF, implemented Hygiene Promotion (WASH) Activities in 75 communities across five LGAs of Boluwaduro, Ejigbo, Ifelodun, Ede South and Ifedayo. This is aimed at preventing transmission of NTDs in our communities by practicing regular hand washing, safe water management, safe excreta disposal, and ensuring personal hygiene.
“I wish to advocate for sustainable effort and investment in the interventions towards eliminating the preventable diseases. To achieve this, I call on all the stakeholders to let us unite for action towards the elimination of NTDs in our State and the country at large”, he concluded.
