Kogi State Ministry of Health in collaboration with Sight savers International has stressed the need to control Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) in a meeting held with stakeholders in Lokoja recently.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Omede Idris, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Aliu Salau, said the meeting would strengthen the commitment to control the disease and contribute to the national improved indices of diseases.
According to him, the meeting would focus on Lymphatic Filariasis, Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthes (STH), adding that the State Government has commenced treatment in 2012 for Lymphatic Filariasis in Ankpa, Bassa, Olamaboro and Omala Local Government Areas.
While the treatment for Schistosomiasis and STH commenced in 2014, he added that 2015 will witness a scale up of treatment in the remaining endemic LGAs of the State.
The Commissioner disclosed that the Governor is ready to collaborate with partnering organizations in ensuring the control and elimination of NTDs to improve the quality of life and the socio-economic development of the people of Kogi State through reduction of diseases, disability and mortality.
While calling on SH’s to engage in sensitizing and mobilizing the populace, he said this will encourage partners to engage in more activities that will be beneficial to the people, just as he commended Sightsavers International, the Federal Ministry of Health, the North Central Zonal Coordinator for NTD, and African Programme on Onchocerciasis (APOC) for collaborating with the state.
Earlier, the Director of NTD at the State Ministry of Health, Mr. Albert Alabi, said the meeting will set an agenda for NTDs in the state.
He noted that the development of any nation depends on its citizenry as such, the need to mobilize and sensitize the people to get rid of such diseases.
According to him, Lymphatic Filariasis (elephantiasis) is transmitted by a species of female mosquito while the disease is caused by a tiny worm. Schistosomiasis is transmitted by fresh water snails as he also stressed that those at most risk are women and children.
While STH is caused by several types of worms found in the soil according to him, he added that they are transmitted by eggs passed in the faeces of infected people which may contaminate food, drinking water source and soil.
Source: The Graphic
