The Kwara State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Raji Razaq has described NTD as another on-going global public health epidemic, affecting more than one billion individuals worldwide which is caused by variety of pathogens like viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and parasitic worms (helminths), stating that the state government is committed towards eradicating the disease in the Kwara
Addressing the Journalists in Ilorin on Monday in commemoration of the 2023 World Neglected Tropical Diseases NTDs Day, he noted that the interventions recommended by WHO include Preventive Chemotherapy and Transmission Control PCT, Innovative and Intensified Diseases Management IDM, among others.
“Vector Management focuses on effective methods of targeting mosquitoes, flies, ticks, bugs and other vectors that transmits pathogens”.
“Safe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) wherein access to safe water, adequate sanitation and hygiene are key component in the new WHO draft road map”.
“Veterinary Public Health Services enables mutual attention on health of people, the health of animals and the environment in which people live”.
Speaking further, Dr. Raji posited that the disease already exist in Kwara added that the technical crew in public health and the State NTDs Control and Elimination Programme have undertaken Campaigns and relevant activities to beat the menace
“Our technical crew at the Public Health Directorate and specifically the Kwara State NTDs Control and Elimination Programme have on behalf of the State Ministry of Health undertaken far reaching activities to address the menace”.
The team, in collaboration with our partners have undertaken Campaigns and relevant activities to beat NTDs, he said.
“In addition, active case search was done to identify peopig suffering from disability resulting from these diseases across the state while hydrocele surgeries were carried out free of cost for the indigent”.
“Reassuringly, 15 LGAs passed the first phase of Transmission Assessment Survey (Pre-TAS) for Lymphatic Filariasis while 4 LGAs (Ekiti, Irepodun, Isin and Oyun) passed the second phase of the assessment (TAS 1)”.
“We have successfully trained 1,230 teachers who were integrated into the deworming exercise done for 276,312 School Aged Children (SAC) in 63 wards of the state”.
“12,900 Community Health Workers, 4900 Community Directed Distributors (CDDs) were equally trained and involved in the treatment of 2,403,831 Kwarans with Ivermectin and Albendazole medicines to prevent River blindness and Lymphatic Filariasis”.
He appreciated support of Gov AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on positive result obtained on NTDs, as a direct manifestation of his impactful strides in addressing issues in the Health sector.
As a team, we appreciate him for his unalloyed support and commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and to the elimination of NTDs in Kwara State, he added.
He also lauded the Sightsavers and OLAM Food Ingredients Industry who had focused on NTD
The commissioner however called on other NGOs , organized private sectors and the philanthropists to support the state govt towards eliminating NTDs and other diseases of public health concern in the state.
On his part, Director of Health planner, Habeeb Lawal said the NTDs day is an avenue for all stakeholders to discuss the issues and achievements so far on yearly basis.
They also engaged in roadshow sensitization on NTDs causes, prevention methods and awareness on free treatment in Kwara state.
Also speaking, State coordinator of NTDs, Mrs. Yemisi Bangboye advised people with the disease to come out for free treatment.
She appreciated the fatherly role of the Hon. Commissioner of Health, Dr. Raji Razaq, and the Executive Governor of Kwara state, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on their tremendous support in the health sector especially for the eradication of NTDs in Kwara state.
While answering questions from the pressmen, she said Offa local government was free of the NTDs from their survey carried out, while other 15 LGAs with 65 ward from them was affected.
