2nd February, 2022
By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
Anambra State Government is responding to four major Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) endemic in the state as every Local Government Area is affected by one or more of the diseases.
Dr Vincent Okpala, the state Commissioner for Health, made this known on Wednesday, at a news conference on NTDs Interventions.
Okpala identified River Blindness, Elephantiasis, Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis – which includes Roundworm, Whipworm and Hookworms, as the NTDs endemic in the state.
He described NTDs as preventable communicable diseases prevalent in areas with poor sanitation, inadequate safe water supply and sub-standard housing conditions.
According to him, the diseases are considered neglected because they enjoy little funding; are almost absent from the global health agenda and are associated with stigma and social exclusion.
The commissioner said the state has been partnering with the Carter Center since 1995 to control and eliminate NTDs in communities in the state where over five million individuals were at risk of being infected with one or more diseases.
“NTDs are currently posing significant health challenges in various communities in the state.
“About 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) are endemic for River Blindness, 21 LGAs for Elephantiasis, 11 LGAs for Schistosomiasis and 12 LGAs for Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis.
“More research is still needed to identify other endemic communities not currently captured so they can be included in the treatment plan,” he said.
In collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Carter Center, Okpala said the state organised an annual NTDs programme to treat 80 per cent of the state population of over five million projected to be at risk.
“We recognise that among the consequences of NTDs are pain, blindness, disability, disfiguration, death, stigmatisation, low or no income, social withdrawal and poor standard of living for the affected individuals.
“To prevent these consequences, we distribute NTD preventive medicines and community-based treatments annually in these endemic areas.
“Health equity is a must for us. Attention must be given to rural dwellers to ensure that they receive quality and affordable healthcare services. Potable drinking water should be provided to them.
“Also, grassroots sensitisation is key. Let the neglect of these diseases stop in Anambra,” he said.
Meanwhile, he urged residents to report any case of Elephantiasis, River Blindness, Dog bite and Snakebite to the nearest health centre.
While encouraging the public to sleep inside mosquito bed nets to prevent vector transmitting diseases, Okpala advised them to go and receive NTD drugs, saying the drugs are free, safe, and effective.
NAN