As the world celebrate 2023 International Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) day, the Kwara State government on Monday disclosed that it has trained 4,900 Community Direct Distributors (CDDs), as well as 900 Community Health Workers.
It is noteworthy that the professionals have treated 2,403,831 Kwarans with Ivermectin and Albendazole medicines to prevent River blindness and Lymphatic Filariasis.
Dr. Raji Razaq, the state Commissioner for Health dropped the hint in a media engagement to commemorate the year 2023 ‘World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day’ held in his office, Ilorin Kwara State.
He explained that NTDs is the name for another on-going global public health epidemic affecting more than one billion individuals worldwide.
The diseases according to him are caused by a variety of pathogens like viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and parasitic worms (helminths).
He said: “We have successfully trained 4,900 Community Directed Distributors (CDDs) and 900 Community Health workers. They were involved in the treatment of 2,403,831 Kwarans with Ivermectin and Albendazole medicines to prevent River blindness and Lymphatic Filariasis.
“We equally 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.
The Commissioner, however, appreciated Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his impactful strides to health sector and his unalloyed support and commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and to the elimination of NTDs in Kwara State.
Dr. Razaq, who noted that the theme of this year’s celebration is “Act Now, Act Together, Invest in Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)” is apt and timely, called on NGOs, organized private sectors and philanthropists to join hands with Kwara State Government towards eliminating the NTDs, other diseases of Public health concerns.
He further explained that, “Currently, there are 20 diseases defined as NTDs amongst which we have River-Blindness, Elephantiasis, Schistosomiasis, Leprosy, Soil Transmitted Helminths, Buruli Ulcer, Rabies, Snakebite Envenoming, Trypanosomiasis etc.
“Each of these diseases are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and poses overwhelming loss to the economy, with associated social stigma and discrimination.
“The 5 recommended interventions by World Health Organization to combat and eliminate NTDs includes; Preventive Chemotherapy and Transmission Control (PCT) which focuses on mass distribution of effective preventive that is medications, Innovative and Intensified Disease Management (IDM), Safe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
“Others are; Vector Management focuses on effective methods of targeting mosquitoes, flies, ticks, bugs and other vectors that transmits pathogens and Veterinary Public Health Services.
“NTDs are with us here in Kwara, we have adopted all these proven strategies and interventions in tackling the challenges and our efforts are yielding positive results.”
Earlier, Dr Habeeb Lawal, Deputy Director of Public Health Provider said having received adequate support from the government, they are making progress in addressing health issues in the state.
Similarly, Mrs Bamigboye Yemisi, the state Coordinator for NTDs, noted that the body had been on sensitising the general public to be aware and as well prevent themselves from contacting the diseases.
In his submission, Ajayi Olalekan, sight saver program manager, seek for more investment and collaboration with the ministry so as to eliminate NTDs.
