Oyo State is committed to fighting Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and end neglect in the state.
This was stated by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. B.V. Bello during a press briefing ahead of the World NTDs day in Ibadan.
The commissioner noted that NTDs “are estimated to affect over one billion people in the world, majority of who are in the developing countries. These diseases include Lymphatic Filariasis, Onchocerciasis, Schistosomiasis, Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH), Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), Guinea Worm Disease, Trachoma, Leishmaniasis, Leprosy, Buruli Ulcer, Dengue fever, Rabies among others. Some of these NTDs have been confirmed to be endemic in Nigeria and in Oyo State.”
“The devastating effect of these diseases on our people cannot be overemphasized, hence the need for all to come together to combat the diseases. They affect human health and lead to reduced productivity. If untreated, they could lead to disability and stigmatization. River blindness if not treated could lead to loss of sight, while Schistosomiasis (SCH) and Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) can result in Anaemia.
“The long term effects of some NTDs can be catastrophic, even can lead to death.
“Across health and development, world awareness days offer an annual opportunity to mobilize greater attention, action and investment on priority issues, particularly in the countries and communities most directly affected,” he said.
He added that in the spirit of collaboration between civil society advocates, community leaders, global health experts and policymakers working across the diverse NTD landscape, the state remains committed to the common goal to Face NTDs and #EndTheNeglect.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of the Oyj State Primary Healthcare Board, Mr. C. O. Bolaji stated that a survey conducted by Federal Ministryof Health revealed that four (4) of these NTDs are endemic in the State; Soil Transmitted Helminthes (STH), Schistosomiasis (SCH), Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) and Onchocerciasis. The diseases are distributed across the State as follows: 28 LGAs are ONCHO endemic, 10 are LF endemic, 28 are SCH endemic and 33 are STH endemic
He noted that these NTDs are treated with safe, effective drugs that in most cases are distributed once each year.
“The NTD unit of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board (OYSPHCB) is saddled with the responsibility of carrying out all the control strategies through safe and costeffective Preventive Chemotherapy (PCT) in collaboration with the NGDOs,” he added
